I have taught Ali the past three years (he is currently in my Foundations 12 class). I estimate that makes a total of about 170 times that Ali has had class with me. Of those times, he probably wished me a heartfelt "hello, Mr. Wadge" over 160 times (and just as many "see you later, Mr. Wadge"'s). In other words, Ali is a very personable and friendly guy. He always manages to brighten my day (thanks, Ali!).
This year, Ali is also one of my Peer Tutors (in a grade 8 class). He took on this position somewhat reluctantly but has been doing a fantastic job. Again, Ali's kind nature pays dividends; he has the rare ability to make whichever student he works with feel comfortable and supported. It is clear that he REALLY wants to help the grade 8's be successful... and he is making a big difference!
I probably shouldn't share this story but it was just too funny / surprising not to immortalize here. Last year, in Foundations 11, I allowed students to bring in a "cheat-sheet" to one of their chapter tests. However, I told the class that they could only write on ONE SIDE of a regular piece of paper (I call it "foolscap" paper but apparently none of you know that term). So, the test begins and I say to the class "I'm coming around to check your cheat-sheets". I'm walking slowly around the room (pretty bored to tell the truth), hardly glancing at each person's sheet, when suddenly Ali pipes up; "I only wrote on one side". Uh...okay. He's looking at me desperately. "Just one side?" I ask. He nods but he's not looking so convincing. I pick it up and turn it over... writing everywhere. I know I should have been angry but the whole thing was so weird / unexpected that the whole class (including me) burst out laughing. I think he'd just forgotten the rule; there really wasn't much written on EITHER side of the page. But we still tease Ali about it to this day.
Thanks, Ali, for being such a good guy. You have worked very hard (especially in the Foundations classes) and I am glad that you have been so successful in Math. I admire you for your thoughtfulness and your gentle nature. It is no wonder that you are so well liked by so many of your classmates. I wish you good luck for the rest of this year... and well beyond too!