Old Man Statement, Day 89, 20 December
Mr. Burk is so old...his first Christmas was THE first Christmas

Yesterday and today were bittersweet days. Eleven of my former students I had as freshmen came by to see me. They have all their credits and decided to graduate early and move on with their lives. All (except one) of them are starting college in January. Two going into engineering, three into nursing, one wanting to go to medical school, one get a degree in criminal justice ultimately wanting to join the local police force, one to the Marines and the rest currently undecided. I got to tell you a statement one of girls told me (best I can remember anyways).

"Mr. Burk, you are my favorite teacher ever. I sat in math class but never really learned anything before. You were always so prepared with our note sheets hold punched and ready to go. You explained everything in detail and not only showed us how to do the problems but also told us why we needed to do it. Every math class I had after you I always wondered why they didn't teach like Mr. Burk taught us."

There was more to the conversation but what a compliment that was to hear.

Then today, a student I had seven years ago stopped by to see me. He joined the Army right after graduation and just signed for another six years! He went in doing generator repair. Now, with his reenlistment is going to Ft. Sill, OK to reclass for something to do with air defense. He didn't get into a lot of trouble in high school but it was obvious that was a very troubled kid. It looks like the Army got him on the straight and narrow like the Marines did for me. He came to see me all through high school to have someone to talk to about his home life and issues. I was very glad to see him and learn they he is a proud soldier today doing something productive with his life today.

A true teacher today isn't just a person standing in front of the classroom lecturing to their students. With the way things are today, a personal connection is important than ever to help guide them; so many are from one parent homes and have nobody else.