Best Lesson

My Best Lessons

by Bill Knell

During the first day of my junior year (1972) English class at Bogie, our young and pretty teacher asked us to write a brief essay. The next day she wanted to speak with me after class and made me an offer.

If I gave up a few lunch periods each week, she was willing to mentor and teach me. We walked to the sitting area next to the cafeteria to talk more privately. Then, she dropped the bomb.

Mrs ____ had been a Instructor at an Ivy League University in the Northeast. Her husband was a tenured professor. All was well until he decided to get romantically involved with one of his students.

After leaving his wife, he falsely accused her of various misdeeds to protect himself. She was dismissed and he made sure she could not find work at any other university. He also cleaned out their joint bank account.

Left with few options, she moved to her mother's house in St Pete and got a teaching job at Bogie while her situation moved slowly through the courts. I was stunned! But, why did she want to mentor me?

She explained that I had potential and she needed all the good Karma she could get. A university instructor willing to mentor me? I said YES. She taught and encouraged me.

My new writing skills caused some issues. My mom saw me busy at my new typewriter. She took a look at some sheets I already completed, then accused me of plagiarism.

My parents were highly educated, but not always smart. Another class that I really enjoyed at Bogie was Electricity. It got me excited about building Radio Shack kits.

I bought things like alligator clips for my projects. My mom found the clips and accused me of using pot. She thought they were "roach clips". I had no idea what she was talking about?

My mentor eventually got her university job back. Her 'ex' lost his. Thanks to her, I have written many books and articles and continue to do so. Imperfect grammar and punctuation; cool content... Full Story