Monday's "Fall Back Into Blogging" - School Memories

I am taking part in a week-long event through SITS Girls blogging network - and today is the day we write about school memories.  Think I can dredge up a few good memories from my long-ago past?  I hope so.

Although there are the usual gut-wrenching memories of awkward moments, and social faux pas littered about through my grade school and high school years some of my fondest memories are of the teachers that helped inspire and encourage me - and probably didn't even know it at the time.

There was Mr. Otter, who taught Jr. AP English.  During his course we were required to read several college-prep literary works, and then use them as writing assignments in our journal.  Often we took a book we had just read, chose a character from the story and wrote an essay to compare and contrast our life with their experiences.  Other times we made journal entries about more mundane matters.  I remember an entry of mine that talked about the trials and tribulations of auditioning for the lead in the winter musical, and then seeing the part go to someone who was so OBVIOUSLY less qualified than myself.  :)

Through all the teen angst that I am sure he had to wade through in our journals, Mr. Otter always found time to make encouraging comments.  At least I found his comments encouraging.  He told me (in red ink) that I had an engaging way of telling a story, and he felt sure that I should pursue writing as a career path.

I never really took his words to heart.  I was flattered and encouraged, and found as I progressed into college that his assessment of my skill was echoed by some of my professors.  But none of them every spurred me into writing as a career.  Maybe Mr. Otter would be happy to know, but maybe not surprised, that I have a blog (alright, honestly - who doesn't these days) where I dabble, composing my thoughts for others to read.  He has since passed away, but I would like to think that he would be proud me for putting myself out there with my reflections and musings.  And that he would be signed up as a follower of this blog.  :)