I find it interesting that the teachers who made a difference in my life, for one reason or another, were the ones at THS... they are the only ones I remember clearly. Mr Barclay, where I spent four years of learning various electricity, electronics and TV circuits and operation. I was pretty good in these classes (for a change) and after several years I got pretty 'know it all' with my classmates, always ready to show them just how superior I was.
Mr Barclay took me aside after class one day, sat me down and told me to stop my 'know it all' attitude and put my knowledge to a better use... use it to help the other kids! What, give away my smarts, my hard earned knowledge? Mr. Barclay asked me if I 'shared' my knowledge with others, wasn't it still in my brain and still available for me to use, again and again, as well as it now being available for others to use? Of course, he was right.
It took me some days of thinking about it, before I decided to give it a try. Well, it changed quite a lot in terms of my relationship with my classmates and it brought me a feeling I've never forgotten and still work to obtain... the look in someone's eye when you know that the little light just went on and they understand! They understand because you took the time to share what you learned and it helped them learn. God bless you, Mr. Barclay.
How about the others out there? Certainly some of you experienced a THS teacher that made a difference? I'd like to hear it.
-Rod
I had some truly great teachers at THS. Elizabeth Franz in biology made you want to learn. George Bazetta, my chemistry teacher, charmed everyone with his good humor and effortless teaching methods. Vince Acosta, my Spanish teacher, would be glad to know I speak it fairly well and am still learning new words every day. He made the language live. And my all-time favorite, Elaine Wuerschmidt, who encouraged me every step of the way. Does anyone know if they are still alive?
Thank you for the nice comment about my Maternal Grandfather Robert 'Bob' Barclay. He loved teaching and was a huge inspiration in my life. Grandpa died July 4, 1989, and is missed daily. Thanks again for your article.
