This year I have the pleasure of teaching Omar twice! He is taking both PreCalculus 11 and Foundations 12... that's a lot of Math! I am so impressed with Omar's work this year. Not that he was a bad student when I taught him in grade 10 but the amount of improvement to now is truly incredible. Omar shows real commitment to understand the material in both of his classes. He comes to see me to get extra help. Plus, he spends his spare block (with a select few others who make up "The Fellowship") with the amazing Ms. Sidhu who Omar also asks for assistance. That's determination!
Omar asks good questions. He participates in class discussions. He does not get discouraged when he makes mistakes. And his class presentations are equal parts informative and hilarious (I wish everyone could have seen his Foundations puzzle presentation. So funny!). What a student!
One thing that has NOT changed about Omar is his winning personality. If I had to choose one word to describe Omar it would be "likeable". He's got a winning smile. He's quick to laugh. He is thoughtful and polite and is a good listener (I always get the impression that Omar is truly listening - intently - when I am talking with him). How could anyone NOT like such a charismatic guy?
Omar, thanks for being such a gentle, lovable soul. Sometimes I forget that you are a grade 12 student (I guess it's the fact that you are in one of my grade 11 classes) and when I remember I'm always like "Drat! I'd love to spend another year teaching this guy!". May you never lose your cheerful, positive personality, Omar. All the best to you!!