People who have taught me things this year...

...are really too many to count. However, I thought it would be fun to have a series of blog entries that give some "props" to those around me who have taught me things over the course of this past year. Now these things can be anything from life lessons, stuff at work, or anything really. Now theses are in no particular order so please don't rank them. And here we go!

I will start off with someone who really taught me two important lessons this past year. Now to keep their identity safe I will give her an alias...let's call her "Mel B." Now I met "Mel" about a year ago when I had my first lunch at FM after I was hired. Since then, I have learned many things about the world of education and the world in general but two things really stand out. These two things are lessons I will try to hang on too for as long as I can.

The first thing "Mel" taught me was how much fun teaching can be. When I listen to her stories about teaching and see the way that freshman can make her smile everyday, it really shows me why people get into teaching. There have been days that have been soooo stressful and I just get short with my freshman. And then I hear "Mel" tell some story about something funny that her freshman did (like the time a kid raised his hand and asked to be excused because "his shorts were on backwards") or something interesting they did that just reminds me how young they are and how much impact teachers can have on their lives. Her stories this year and her outlook towards teaching have carried me through many a tough times and I am very much appreciative of that.

The second lesson I feel has had an even bigger impact on my life. I have learned soooo much about love from "Mel". About two years ago (sorry in advance if I get any details wrong) "Mel" met the man of her dreams. Now I did not know her or him yet but I did meet him shortly after I started working at FM. These two loved each other so much it was unreal. They loved each other so much that the fact that he was battling cancer had no affect whatsoever on their plans. "Mel" and her man got married last summer and spent so much time just loving each other and spending time doing the things that they wanted and loved to do. Never once did I hear "Mel" complain or even hear about her husband complain about their situation. They were just so happy to be with each other. Unfortunately, in January, "Mel's" husband lost his battle with cancer. We were all crushed. Now I still didn't know "Mel" super well but I was worried that all I had learned was now going to change after such a tragic event. However, if it is possible, she shows even more love now than the she did before. Some of my favorite memories at work over the past 5 months have been learning so much more about the two of them and how much they love each other. It truly is a blessing to have been a part, albeit a very small part, of their world together.

Now as you may know I am getting married in 5 1/2 weeks. I am lucky enough to have met someone who makes me as happy as I have seen "Mel". What I've learned from her is that no matter how bad things may get, love is the most important thing and make sure you treat everyday like it may be your last together. She truly is one of those special people who enters your life and, even if they may not really know it (unless they read this) they have had a huge impact. So, "Mel" if you read this, thank you so much for sharing your memories and experience with me. Please don't stop! Thank you.

OK...so that one was somewhat mushy but I figured it would be a good start. I will try and do one every day or so...and I will try and make them funny as well. Until next time!

-Jake