I remember my first encounters with Anthony. They all involved him harassing me to be given the opportunity to write a Math 9 equivalency test. I'd already allowed a bunch of his classmates to do so and they had all done incredibly well (we moved them all forward to PreCalculus 10). So when Anthony first approached me, asking for similar treatment, I told him it was too late. But Anthony was persistent. I'd never met this guy before and yet he was confident enough to badger me about it until I finally relented. And, of course, he did great as well. Off to PreCalculus 10 with the rest of the group.
Fast forward to Anthony's FIRST day in PreCalculus 10. We were a couple of weeks into class so he was the "new guy" in class. Plus, he was a year younger than most of the other students. He took the seat closest to the door and I got started.
About ten minutes into class, I am writing on the board, my body angled towards the windows. I'm explaining something about parabolas and suddenly realize that nobody is watching me or the board; they are looking directly BEHIND me. So I turn around and there is Anthony, right next to me, clutching his Math workbook.
Me (surprised): Anthony? Huh?
Anthony: Hey. I'm working ahead a little bit. Can you show me how to do this question?
Me (even more surprised): Are you serious? I'm teaching the class right now, Anthony! Go sit down.
Anthony: it's a quick question.
Me: SIT DOWN!
Hahahaha. So funny in retrospect. Gotta admire his moxie, if nothing else.
After that inauspicious start, teaching Anthony has been wonderful. He is a determined and responsible student. He is personable and a great conversationalist. Anthony has strong opinions (on many topics) and isn't afraid to share them. This is a good thing (and a rare trait in today's world). I have had many great chats with Anthony. We have had many laughs. We have had a few (good-natured) disagreements. I have learned lots of interesting things from Anthony. I am thankful for the time we have spent together.
Thanks, Anthony, for being such an enjoyable student to teach. I know you have big goals for yourself at university (and beyond) and I am confident that you will reach them all. May you never lose your sense of humour and your self-confidence. I wish you well and I will miss you!