What was your favorite subject in school?

My love for all of the sciences started out in 6th grade, courtesy of an amazing teacher. Mr. G was animated and passionate about what he taught. From volcanoes to cow eye dissection, his teaching style fully captured my attention and from there on out, my interest was piqued.

Throughout my middle and high school years, Biological Science was my absolute favorite subject. I was never grossed out by fetal pig or cat dissections. I loved to learn how things worked, how they functioned.

When I finally made it back to college after “adulting” for a few years, I double majored in Biology and Chemistry. It was a tough schedule at 18-19 semester hours for a working, single mom, but I continued to excel in my favorite subjects. (Fun fact, I was on the Dean’s List.)

My daughter got very sick the end of my third semester. While she thankfully pulled through, the school health insurance didn’t cover the massive hospital bills from her five day stay and antibiotic treatments. I had to drop out of school to concentrate on paying the bills. I never did make it back to college…

Teachers have one of the most underrated careers. Our kids are so very impressionable. Teachers can make or break a kid’s interest in a particular subject.

My daughter’s teacher last year is a prime example of how not to teach. He completely destroyed her interest in both math and science, as he taught both. He was pompous, condescending, and refused to adjust his teaching style, despite the majority of the class failing a large number of lessons. He was a real dick and my daughter no longer cares for either math or science, despite her great teachers this year.

While we will continue to encourage her in math and science and show her how great the subjects can be, the damage has been done.

I’m glad I had a Mr. G and wish my daughter had the same. Sounds like she has a Mr. W who is showing her how cool history is, so that’s a positive!