One More Chapter
A twenty two year-old's view on life, death,
and Taylor Swift conspiracy theories
and Taylor Swift conspiracy theories
There are many things in my life for which I am thankful. One of them being the amazing people I have had the privilege to meet along this crazy journey. There are so many that it wold be difficult to discuss them all in one blog post, but I have already discussed my father, Erika Wilson, Victoria Carrier and Alex Serafini. So I thought that I would take this time to talk about some of the people who have the greatest influences over us, who we become and how we get there: Our Teachers. I have had the privilege to be taught by some amazing teachers in my nineteen years. But there are a handful of them that have stood out to me, and I know I will always remember. The first one, I wrote about as part of my senior portfolio in my AP Lit class last year, Mrs. Roney O'Brien Susan Roney O'BrienMrs. O'Brien...where do I even begin? She was my English teacher in seventh and eighth grade, six years ago...holy shit that's scary. Needless to say, she changed my life. Suddenly English wasn't just another class. It was a world of pure imagination (get the reference? I crack myself up). I was understanding things and grasping ideas and concepts I never had before. We were introduced to more academic literature, we were challenged and I loved it. She had us reading books in seventh grade that I had to read again when I was in high school - and it's was fantastic. I attribute her amazing teaching to her obvious passion for what she did. When she spoke about the material it was clear that it meant more to her than just some words on a page, and she wanted us to feel the same way. I remember her desk, it was always absolutely covered in papers, books, art projects from ten years ago, but she seemed to thrive in the chaos of it. None of the other teachers I had ever had were like her. She was so unique. She never yelled or raised her voice (actually I do recall her yelling one time at this kid in class who just wouldn't give her the respect she deserved. It was the scariest thing I have ever seen. After that the kid shut up and did as he was told and she went back to her quiet and calm ways). She was a published poet, who loved the peace and beauty of Princeton, Massachusetts just as I did. She is the one who made me believe in myself and my work for the first time. And I will never be able to express how thankful I am to her. Bethany BottoSay hello to Bethany Botto. She was the physical education teacher at my high school. No, that's not quite the right way to describe her, because she was so much more than that. Anyone who has ever taken a class from Ms. Botto will agree that she is one of the most unique teachers they have ever had the pleasure of meeting. She makes sure that all her students feel appreciated and valuable. We are all like her little children; she looks out for us, listens to our problems, comes to us when she thinks we seem upset about something, and always compliments us for things that most people don't notice, like a haircut or a new outfit. I have never met a teacher with more passion and drive to create a happy, and successful learning environment than this woman here. And it is clear that she truly appreciates her job, for to her it isn't even a job. She clearly loves being able to work with children and makes sure that her students understand that as well. In addition, she is an amazing artist and goes out of her way to make sure that students who share this passion have the chance to express themselves as well. She works with the Drama Club on their plays, the male talent competition called Mr. Monty Tech, and even started an art club to help make up for the lack on an art department due to budget cuts. I feel blessed to have met such an amazing and supportive woman. She is practically perfect in every way (whoo, Mary Poppins reference! I'm just killing it today) and I hope to go back and see her soon. I hope all her students over in Fitchburg are appreciating how lucky they are to have such an amazing and talented teacher. p.s. If you are reading this, Ms. Botto, just want to let you know that Victoria Carrier and I still use the Pilates techniques that you taught us at the gym every day and I'm slowly shedding that unwanted "layer of cheesecake" and revealing those shredded abs underneath! ;) Samantha McGuaneThis last person is simply one of the coolest teachers I have ever had. If I were a few years older, we'd be best friends (don't be freaked out Mrs. McGuane! haha ). We both went to the same high school and graduated from the Culinary department, then went on to study English instead, so I always enjoyed talking with her about our chefs, which were hers as well. Anyways, she one of the best - no strike that, the best - English teacher I have ever had. I took AP Literature & Composition with her my senior year and I think that I learned more from that class than any other class before. I have always known that I loved English (solidified even more after having Mrs. O'Brien as a teacher) but I was never very confident in myself or my writing. Then I started taking her class and it just all made sense to me. I also learned that I should have been annotating/explicating a long time ago, because after I learned how to do so I could see clearly, the rain had gone (still killing it with these references today). So, thanks for that! In addition, she was personable and loved to see it when her students showed a genuine interest in her class. I know that she has helped my and my writing by leaps and bounds. The editing and reediting of theses was tedious but well worth it, since after that it was smooth sailing. It's teachers like these that this world needs more of. Ones who show genuine love for their work, who inspire their students to do better, who will go above and beyond in order to make sure their students are getting the best education and experience that they possibly can. Our teachers are molding and creating the next generation, so why wouldn't you want the type that will make this generation the best one yet? I'm so thankful for having met people like these women, and I hope you have met similar people as well. Thank you for reading, Amanda Lucille Song of the DayHome by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
2 Comments
Frankie
3/12/2014 07:17:15 am
Amanda u are an amazing person u r my inspiration
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James Lagomarsino
2/12/2023 01:10:45 pm
Like the song. Nice to hear a student reflect on teachers and those that helped shape one's life in some way. As a teacher of physcical sciences, psychology, high adventure outdoor activities, coach of soccer, golf and basketball and as a dorm parent, it was great to connect with students, some who taught me much, and feel like I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat.
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About This Blog:I started this blog as a way to challenge myself to write more over the 2014 year, but it has blossomed into so much more than that. I use it to let people in on what's happening in my life, talk about things I find important and to spread the news about amazing people, places and art. Archives
November 2017
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