The History Lesson

I was one of those

students

who always

passed, no

matter how

little work

I did.

 

I never read

the books

assigned,

not even

the cliff notes

but managed

to make my

way through

by listening

to others,

general wryness

of spirit.

 

Until, in the 11th grade,

Mr. Wilson, my

history teacher

failed me and

sent me to

summer school-

the dread.

 

However, it was

the first time

a teacher had

stepped up to the

plate and challenged

me.

 

I was determined then

to get straight As

that summer

to prove to him,

my parents

one and all

that I was up

to this challenge

that finally

faced me.

 

I did so

in brilliant hues,

with extra credit

to boot my final

grade was 105.

 

He pulled me

aside at the

end of the class

to tell me that

he believed

history should be

my major

and that one

day he believed

I could be a

Senator.

 

Thank you,

Mr. Wilson,

for finally

challenging

me and ultimately

believing in me.

 

I became an Art History

major-

finally passing

on efforts in

the goverment-

I have thus

dedicated

myself to

education in the

Arts in

large part

because Mr. Wilson

had the gumption

to fail me

for the very

first time.

 

 

Reviews

[Gandré]

I so loved how you said " I never read

the books

assigned,

not even

the cliff notes

but managed

to make my

way through

by listening

to others,"---------I love this sort of people, they are sanguine and vice and they live by their inner spirit... intuition.

and you are a wonderful artist, I adored your compositions (the lemmon) on yr sites. I was knocked aside by your recent very honest writing. love u always. lara.

[Amberlight]

. . . may I just say, Senator Pierce, such an inspiring story, aand a life long history lesson.

[Lily1111]

How timely this is. I just discussed the other day, what a powerful impact certain teachers, who raised the bar for me just a little higher than everyone else, had on me. As if they saw I possessed potential I didn't realize I had. I didn't like it at the time, but in retrospect, they helped me to reach my full potential by not accepting mediocrity. See how good this poem is, you have me all contemplative! Such a good lesson here in this great write!

[Pax Analog]

"Mr. Wilson"? You can imagine I found the shared surname amusing, especially in light of the fact I published a chapter in a history book. You're sure you don't want to be a Senator? ;-) Well, mayhaps your educator efforts will happily aestheticize a future statesman. Arts rule, at any rate. Cool intervention, the way he set your cruisin' a-right. You still get A+s in "wryness of spirit," right? And what about "her-story"? ;-)

[*** Hey Jude***]

Isn't it amazing how one caring soul can change your life in such a powerful way? Thanks to Mr. Wilson, but kudos' to you for listening and becoming stronger person from the experience! Thanks for sharing this life-changing occurrence. Love-n- Light 2 U ~ Jude xo

[Emily B]

I never worried about grades. . . ever. I graduated in the top ten percent of my high school class. I read all the time, just never cared for homework. I saw parts of myself in your story. We are all called out to prove ourselves, if we're lucky.

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

I say Bravo Mr. Wilson, sometimes it just takes one teacher to show you your potential... sometimes when things come easy we take them for granted and think we have it made until we are shown so much more.

[Celtic Cat]

Hurray for Mr Wilson!!!! I'm so glad he impacted you to give more of yourself. It's amazing how many people get pushed through the system and graduate illiterate... it's nice when someone finally stops and challenges the tide. Excellent experience and write... thanks so much for sharing with us!!!

[These Haunted Hallways]

LoL! Wow!!! I totally can relate to this poem!!! I had a professor in college named Dr. Wilson, and one time he gave me a 'C' at the end of the quarter for one of my Criminal Justice cources. I told him at the end of that day i took the first exam that I'd promise him that I would do much better the final quarters, and i gave him my word on that. The final quarter was approaching. I studied like an SOB lol, and on that final day of the tri-mester, i took the final exam. A week later, he passed out the graded exams to us. I looked at the back of the exam book, and there was my grade: 'B' hehe!! I shook his hand and smiled with so much joy; God, i just had a wonderful day after that lol! So, cheers to both Mr. and Dr. Wilson! lol! Very awesome poem. Was really fun to read! :)

B.A.

[Bear]

;~) Salute, to Mr. Wilson!! This write brought back memories of the teachers I loved and respected throughout my school days. Many were grade school teachers that I actually kept in touch with over the years and attended their viewings to pay my respects once they'd passed on. They were the ones that shaped my "self" and yes, I'm smiling as I remember the times shared with those fine educators. Buser, Smith, Saunders, Weaver, Kuenzli, Robertson... some have gone on, some I to this day visit on-line and in person. Family, Friends, Teachers... they all shape who we are to become and remain; remembering the one's that have passed keeps their spirit alive. Thanks for the reminders of friends here now and gone but, still within.
Sallie Bear