This week's Student of the Week is Uluc B (he's the one with the tie)!
Uluc is a guy who wears his emotions on his sleeve. There is never any doubt how he is feeling. When he is happy, he practically radiates. Huge smile, lots of laughs, friendly words. Thankfully, this is Uluc's usual disposition because I have seen Uluc in "not such a good" mood. I think Jess was telling him he needed to come for a detention or something. Uluc was FUMING! It was almost scary (almost). And it was surprising how such a laid-back, happy guy (usually) could demonstrate such anger. But this is a good thing! Research shows that it is better to express your emotions (in a healthy and controlled way) than keep it bottled up inside. So nice job Uluc! Keep on expressing your true self! I always know when Uluc is around. In fact, I usually hear him before I see him. Inevitably, the chants of "#1 Math Teacher!" alert me to the fact that Uluc is arrived. Uluc has now been telling me this for a few years. Either he really values my teaching (Thanks Uluc!) or I am the victim of the world's longest-running joke. This is just one example of what a great guy Uluc is. He is always friendly and polite to me. He is a great conversationalist. I have really enjoyed talks with him about Turkey and video games (which I know NOTHING about) and - of course - math. Thanks, Uluc, for always making feel good about myself (even on the days when I am feeling grumpy / angry). I was so happy when I found out you were returning to KG in grade 10 and I am so thankful I got to teach you another few years. You are awesome! I had NO idea why Stefan Z sent this to me (THANKS Stefan!!) until 1:00 into the song. But once I figured it out... so cool! (and, yes, to be totally honest, it's a completely terrible music video too...) Eating Out - That's My Man from codyfennell on Vimeo. This week's student of the week is Jorge A.
For the most part, Jorge is a fairly quiet and unassuming guy. But, once you get to know him, you realize what a talented, interesting and thoughtful guy that he is. Did you, for instance, know that Jorge is a very good ping-pong player? He played on the school team the past couple of years and it was during our drives to away games that I got to see a different side of Jorge. One surprise was just how funny Jorge is. He's not boisterous in any way, but he sure got me laughing pretty loudly sometimes. The guy has a wicked sense of humour! Jorge is also a very proud person... and I mean that as a compliment. Proud of his heritage, proud of his family, proud of his beliefs. Jorge is also a very hard worker, both in school (at least sometimes, right Jorge? hahaha) and also outside of school. Jorge is a kind and gentle person... an easy person to spend time with. Having said that, he does not suffer fools lightly. I'll never remember the time we played the worst team in the whole ping-pong league (I'm not saying who but it might have rhymed with "Man Wreck"). Well, somehow (I still don't know how) we managed to lose (we were one of the best teams in the league). It was literally the only time Van Tech (whoops!) won all year. And their coach was carrying on like they'd just won the Superbowl or something. "Aw YEAH! That's how we do it!" Fist pumps. Jumping up and down. It was a bit much. Jorge was not impressed (none of us were). Of course, he was too polite to say anything to the coach at the time, but I'll never forget how surprising (and funny) it was on the car ride home. "I did not like that coach". "Why was he acting like that?" "That was not the way a coach should act". etc. I think he kept up a litany of short, clear, yet never-profane complaints the whole way home. For some reason it seemed hilarious to me. Plus, it allowed me to see Jorge's "dark side". (Newsflash: Jorge's dark side is still pretty kind and great). Jorge, thank you for always being so genuine with me. You always told me exactly how you were feeling about math, about school, about life. You never tried to trick me or appease me by stretching the truth in any way. I really, really respect your honesty and your trust in me. I have nothing but fond memories of you Jorge. And for that, I can only say: thank-you very much! Good luck! This week's Student of the Week is Jenny O!
Jenny is known to miss Math class from time to time :( But I'm always a little happier when she DOES show up. :) Jenny is blessed with a giant, beautiful smile. And she has always been very generous with sharing it with me. How can you not feel a little bit better about things in the world after seeing that grin of hers? It's THAT powerful! Jenny and I have had a good many talks together over the years. Some have been light and funny and others have been more serious. No matter the tone, I always enjoy talking with Jenny. She is a very thoughtful and engaged conversationalist. She really considers what I have to say and offers her own well-expressed opinions. Jenny always has the final word on whether some of my more adventurous clothing decisions (scarves, denim shirt, camouflage tie, etc) are truly fashionable or just faux pas. This girl has style! Ten other people could tell me I look ridiculous but if Jenny gives her seal of approval... that's good enough for me! Dear Jenny, I know that Math has been difficult at times (there MAY be a correlation between difficulty level and number of absences, by the way). I admire you very much for continuing all the way to PreCalculus 12. It would have been easier to stop after grade 11 but you never did. I'm so proud of you for that! Thank you for all the great chats we have had together these past four years. Thanks for your perseverance, your patience and for believing in yourself. I believe in you too, Jenny! I know that you will do amazing, creative, and worthwhile things in this world and I look forward to seeing what they will be! Go get 'em J.O.!! |
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