I have been blessed with many excellent, caring teachers through the years. High on the list is my high school Latin teacher, Mrs. Pokorny. This dear lady taught Latin - with a German accent. I can truthfully say she is a big part of why I am where I am today.
She was an immigrant, and clearly showed her origins in many ways besides her accent. Her work ethic was amazing (and she expected the same from us). Her build was squarish and stocky. She wore loose and flowing dresses reminiscent of the previous decade. Her white hair was neatly braided and swirled into a regal crown atop her head.
It's been 40 years since I had the privilege of sitting in her class. It might as well have been yesterday. I can still see and hear her as clearly as ever.
When I was a second-year Latin student, Mrs. P. asked me to help one of the first-year students who was struggling. All these years later, I wish I had asked her "Why me?" Did she see something in me I didn't realize I had?
Those days of tutoring the girl, explaining the syntax and form of Latin, started me on a path to my present job. I am an educator of adults - taking technical concepts (first declension, second declension?) and simplifying it into something a "regular Joe" can understand (amo, amas, amat?). Helping a student understand something they couldn't get before is a source of great joy.
Would I be here without the example and influence of Mrs. Pokorny? I can't say. But I know for sure I wouldn't have realized the rewards of sharing knowledge so early in my life without her offering me the opportunity. All of my teachers shared knowledge with me; from Mrs. Pokorny, I also learned to share my knowledge in return.
I came into class one day wearing a pin I had purchased, a tiny sailing ship of faintly "Spanish Armada" style. She commented on the cloisonne finish of the small sails and pennants and asked if I had named the little ship. I said I had not. Mrs. Pokorny then placed her hand on my shoulder and smiled her wonderful smile. With a twinkle in her eyes, she announced, "I christen this ship the 'Bona Fortuna,' and so I wish you always." I still have the pin and I still carry her wish with me.
Thank you, Mrs. Pokorny, wherever you may be!
© Mary Beth Magee 2007
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Comments: 15
Best wishes for your success with this. I agree about the importance of a real person to person contact and interaction in education.
It also reminds me of each time I am asked "if there's something that you could go back in time and change, what would it be?" ... my reply has always been "I believe that everything that has happened in my life makes me who I am today, so I would not change anything because I woul dnot want to change who I am today."
Thank you for sharing.
Ruth
This is as close to perfect as I've seen here in gather, including some of my own postings.
You did a great job with this story, well written and informative. Thanks for sharing a wonderful teacher. I remember how much you enjoyed her class and how well you did in it. Congratualtions on a job well done.