Column 36 for April 16, 2000
Isn’t it nice that just when you need it the most, inspiration usually seems to find a way to reach you? Such is the case with the letter I received from my youngest son this past week. Andy, at 25, is a promising science fiction writer, with three stories sold so far and his wife, Jodi, will begin professionally teaching this coming school year. Previously, I had talked with Andy on the phone generally (and sometimes specifically too) complaining about some of my students, particularly their lack of motivation and effort. It’s that time of the school year when the workdays seem to last longer, and the frustration builds about those students you feel you’ve failed to reach. I was getting "down" and wondered aloud if it was really worth it.
"Dad, I don’t know about education really. If I was in your class in high school and we didn’t know each other you might say many of the same things about me. I was difficult. High school is often a complicated time. I remember seeing a quote from ancient Greece about the kids that could have just as well been written in the 60’s, or now. What they seem to be doing (or not doing) might be disappointing, but it is no indication of what they are capable of.
I wouldn’t be surprised if you reached many more kids than you think. It might just take a couple years for them to respond, and realize that it was something they learned from Mr. Miller. Or maybe they’ll never tie the inspiration back to you, but it is there just the same. You have certainly inspired me in many ways. Talking about the perpetual motion machine that was driven by magnets. Providing me with respect for firearms. I remember one time in Tennessee where you convinced me I was invisible for a little while. Mom and my sister went along with it, too. Everything that you do tumbles into a great big vault, and you influence those around you. You encourage them to look at things in different ways by your example. You said some things about how idealistic Jodi is, just beginning her career in teaching. She has actually spent many years already in a teaching environment with young children. A lot of the ideals are actually practical.
They work in practice. There are differences between the little ones in the big ones, certainly. Jodi does not want to teach middle school or high school, because most of those kids aren’t interested in learning so much. So she will give them a foundation, and hope that they continue to enjoy learning when they go into the next grade.
Respect is another thing. I would hope that when you say that some kids are almost hopeless that you find something else to do with them instead, for everyone concerned. The kids will likely rise or sink to your opinions of them. So if there is even a little bit of hope for the kids, I hope that you will exploit it, improve on it, and continue to teach. Because you can do wonderful things.
Happy days, love, andy"
With this inspiration, I know I can make it through these last seven weeks of school. And I know I can still make a difference too! Thanks Andy, I love you too. Dad
tomiswho@mindspring.com