Day by Day

Page 1

“An Apple for the Teacher” Sometimes, even the teacher can learn a thing or two. When I met him, John was what the institutions of higher learning call a “non-traditional student.” He was an over-the-road trucker pursuing the dream of a higher education. I was a teacher at a local college tutoring students in writing for various courses. At the end of that particular semester, John surprised me with the gift of a huge chocolate apple wrapped in shiny red foil. Many students had walked through the door of my classroom, but John stands out in my mind, not just for the present but also for the way he shared his life with me. While asking questions about nouns, verbs, and adjectives, John also spoke of the experiences that led up to his mid-life decision to go back to school. The sessions became life lessons, as he discussed his divorce, his time on the road, and his lack of self-confidence as an “older” student. My advice to John also became my advice to myself: Do your best, and do not be afraid to learn something new. A person is never too old to learn, no matter the age or the circumstances. Learning is a life-long process. Several years later, I am still inspired by the foil-wrapped apple that sits on a shelf in my office. As much as I love chocolate, I could not bring myself to eat that candy. It is a gift from a student whom I hope I helped with writing, as well as with life. I know he helped me. Sarah Rivera is a freelance writer who lives in Atlanta, Georgia. She relies heavily on chocolate and a sense of humor.


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