Hello all,
I thought it would be appropriate to start this blog by honoring the person whose influence is most to blame for the career I'm about to pursue. My story begins as so many like it do, with a passionate teacher and a wide-eyed, ignorant little freshman. Gregg Darling saw to it that I stayed in his English classes through my junior year of high school (which was VERY unusual in a school of 1,700 students). He tried to keep me there my senior year, but I let other influences talk me into taking a light course load at the end.
Mr. Darling remains the only to teacher to every give me a D on a paper, which was without doubt the single most important grade I've ever received. He was the one who taught me that a great work of literature can become a lived experience, that knowledge was far more than the sum of the stuff one knows and that YOU NEVER, EVER, BASTARDIZE COFFEE WITH SUGAR. I must admit that I've not always observed the latter. Thank you, Mr. Darling, for taking time to teach your students every bit as well as you teach your subject. There are very few teacher like you, and I'm afraid your kind are those most preyed upon by overbearing administrations. It's a shame that it takes students so many years to find the words and maturity to appreciate your sacrifices, because it seems they are the only ones who ever will.
We leave on Tuesday, and covet everyone's prayers for safe travel and no surprises (i.e. lost luggage).
Best,
David Pedersen
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