Today many high school graduates entering college intend to major in finance because that’s where the money is. To be sure some major in education and become elementary or secondary school teachers. May their tribe increase because there is a great need for highly qualified teachers throughout the nation. But the pay is not great and too often young teachers lose heart when their students are surly and illiterate. Recently, I was rewarded by the following note from a student I taught over 50 years ago.

REFLECTION OF A STUDENT

George,

I heard on NPR this morning that today is the fiftieth anniversary of the publication of Strunk and White’s Elements of Style.

I was instantly transported back to English class at Borromeo High School. Much has occurred in my life since those times, but what has stayed with me is an ability to write and organize my thoughts and an abiding love of literature. I may not have appreciated, at the time, your passion for instilling these qualities and skills into your students, but not a week goes by that, as I use these skills, I don’t think of you and the seeds that you planted in your classroom.

So today it is fitting that I say thank you for all your efforts and know that I am just one plant in the garden that you have sown and cultivated in your life.

Joe Sitko
Bermuda Dunes, CA

 

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