That's a heart warming set of memories to a capable and feeling teacher. Some people love their craft. I think he would have been satisfied with how his craft impacted you. I've been fortunate to have had a number of impactful teachers. You got lucky when you had him.
That's a wonderful memory and tribute to Mr. Rankin. While I cannot recall the name of my college freshman English professor, I do remember the first day of class when he asked if anyone had a poem they'd memorized and would share with the class. I glanced around, saw no hands raised, and raised mine. I shared Shakespeare's Sonnet 71 which begins 'No longer mourn for me when I am dead'. I embarrassed myself (slightly) by slipping into what I'd characterize as my fake English accent and I saw smiles across the room. I didn't care. I had a sonnet to share.
That's a heart warming set of memories to a capable and feeling teacher. Some people love their craft. I think he would have been satisfied with how his craft impacted you. I've been fortunate to have had a number of impactful teachers. You got lucky when you had him.
Synchronicity, I'd call it. I needed to learn English at that stage in my life, and he was the teacher I needed.
That's a wonderful memory and tribute to Mr. Rankin. While I cannot recall the name of my college freshman English professor, I do remember the first day of class when he asked if anyone had a poem they'd memorized and would share with the class. I glanced around, saw no hands raised, and raised mine. I shared Shakespeare's Sonnet 71 which begins 'No longer mourn for me when I am dead'. I embarrassed myself (slightly) by slipping into what I'd characterize as my fake English accent and I saw smiles across the room. I didn't care. I had a sonnet to share.
That took courage, and Shakespeare is always a good one to quote.