Our kids started school this past week. It’s been nearly 25 years since my favorite teacher died suddenly, and I’ve had a flood of memories wash over my mind about her. One in particular brought a smile to my face.
There were seven of us in a small college classroom seated in a circle. Jody, our teacher, was holding court during the second day of class while she engaged her six students (4 female and 2 male). The subject was journalism, but from the beginning the topics ranged widely. Basically, everything was food for thought or a target for challenge. I don’t remember what we were discussing, but as I lost myself in the raucous conversation I referred to one of our fellow students as “she”…Then almost immediately again as “her.” Jody interrupted me…“She who?…Her has a name…Come on Todd…We’ve been here for two days now…There are only six people in this class…” She said all of it with a huge smile. But it was said firmly and loudly. Everybody was important to Jody. And she made sure that each person in the class would be treated with kindness and respect to a level that I’ve not witnessed since.
I had the privilege of taking four classes with Jody. The consistent love and care that she showed to her students was contagious. She set a tone in the classroom that helped others to flourish, and gave us the gift of her example of how to do that well. And yes…37 years later, I remember Brenda’s name …
Todd Rivetti 