Wednesday, August 17, 2016

LIBERTY REVIEW

LIBERTY REVIEW:

http://libertyreview76.blogspot.com/2016/08/follow-directions-by-tammy-derouin.html


Follow Directions

By Tammy Derouin

There are always people in life that you come in contact with but you don’t understand why until a later time.  When I was in Junior High, I had a teacher that I wouldn’t truly appreciate until later in life.  Like most teachers, he taught more than one subject. I found myself in several of his challenging classes.  He was an extrovert and I was a struggling introvert.  It wasn’t an easy fit.

Eventually, I was assigned to his American Literature class.  He could recite poems and discuss the classics with ease.  He seemed to have a genuine passion for literature. My interest in reading was beginning to develop so I chose one of his suggestions for an upcoming book report.  We were then informed it would be an oral report.  My enthusiasm took a nose dive.  

He was tough and there was a little fear upon entering his classroom.  He challenged his students.  If you tried, did your best but most importantly, you didn't give up, there seemed to be a softer edge, if ever so briefly.  We were critiqued and given constructive criticism. Our reward, regardless of the actual grade, was a feeling of accomplishment. We also gained experience and were better equipped for the next report.

He was known for his humorous yet dead on comments.  Looking back, the likes of Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain must have inspired him.  I’ve also compared his ability to serve up an undeniable and much needed point, with a side of humor, to Ronald Reagan. 


As I watched yet another unbelievable week of scandalous deeds and behavior along with the predictable explanation of the Leftist administration and its lap dog press, a fitting saying which was said many times over by my challenging teacher, came to mind.  When all else fails, follow directions.

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