Man, does it feel great to be back at the computer again, putting my thoughts into words. If you’re not a dedicated writer, it’s tough to understand how defeated you feel when writer’s block takes over and you’re stuck.

I’ve been readmitted into WVSU and I am taking two classes this fall towards a Social Studies certification: Geography and a Sociology class called “Social Problems.” I’m really excited about both classes, which is amazing. I remember hating Geography in 7th grade and trying my best not to learn anything at the time. I remember being shocked in high school when I finally realized that Egypt was in Africa.

That Geography teacher is one of the best I’ve ever known. Her name is Mrs. Downey and she still teaches the same subject at the same school. A month or so into my seventh grade year, my grades were already slipping towards failure in two of my major courses (I was just barely Cs in English and Science). She kept me after class one day and asked one of the most important questions I have ever been asked by a teacher: “What do you love?” I paused, and she continued. “You love to draw, right? You love art?” I nodded. “Tell you what, you bring at least three of your school grades up to Cs or better and I will buy you a hundred dollars worth of art supplies.” It was the first time any teacher had ever made a promise to me other than, “If you don’t sit down, I’m calling your mother.” The greatest thing is that I kept my end of the bargain and she kept hers.

I found a folder in my drawer yesterday that had a collection of report cards from elementary school. One of them was from the second nine weeks of fourth grade. In the teacher’s comments it says, “I would like to schedule a conference as soon as possible to discuss my concerns for Jason.” Other information shows that I had trouble working independently, working neatly, and listening attentively. This was an improvement over the first nine weeks when I also had trouble following directions and completing assigned work on time.

Third nine weeks wasn’t much of an improvement. Teacher comments: “Jason has not shown much growth in his behavior and study skills.” And yet again, I did not work independently or neatly, follow directions, or listen attentively.

It is important to note that my fourth grade teacher, Mr. Copley, was also one of my favorites, especially after looking back, because regardless of my faults (and there were many) he still cared about me, treated me with respect, and always tried to make me smile. My mom has a picture of Mr. Copley and I standing together, him squatting down a little so he can get his arm around my shoulders. Our smiles are big and honest.

As I said, it feels good to be writing again. I haven’t thought about Mr. Copley or Mrs. Downey for a while and here I am writing about them. I have a lot more to write about and will try to get it posted in the next day or so. I still need to write about my rekindled interest in WWII that was spawned by a recent marathon of Medal of Honor games, courtesy of my little brother.

Until later — “There’s no turning back now that you opened up to your mind.”