Tuesdays with Morrie

This weekend I've read two Mitch Albom books. The first "Five People You Meet in Heaven" left me thinking about the connections between people. "Tuesdays with Morrie" has left me wondering about the quality of my relationships with family, friends, and students. "Tuesdays" is a very personal series of essays about his relationship with a former teacher who dies from ALS. What Morrie is able to help Mitch learn is what really matters - Live Life Abundantly, Forgive Others and Yourself, Love Your Family.
The book ends:
"Have you ever really had a teacher? One who saw you as a raw but precious thing, a jewel that, with wisdom, could be polished to a proud shine? If you are lucky enough to find your way to such teachers, you will always find your way back. Sometimes it is only in your head. . . . . The last class of my old professor's life took place once a week. . . The subject was the meaning of life. It was taught from experience. The teaching goes on."
I don't think I have ever had a teacher like that, but wouldn't it be wonderful to BE a teacher like that?
The capstone project I completed in 2003 dealt with qualities which are found in outstanding secondary teachers. The capstone project I'm working on right now deals with ways to help my students see the connections between what they learn in math class and how to problem solve in science classes. Both projects are little stepping stones in my path to becoming a teacher who truly makes a difference in the lives of her pupils.
I have found another role model.