Here is something that you may not be aware of: Amy is one of the strongest Math students in the whole school!! She may not get mentioned (by students) as often as some other "math-whizzes" (Subin, Leo, Masoud, etc) but Amy is every bit their equal.
What always cracks me up is when Amy needs help (rare, but it does happen sometimes). She usually starts by saying something mildly self-depreciating. For example:
Amy: Mr. Wadge, I can not do #8b. It is too hard for me.
Me: Okay, did you get all the other ones?
Amy: They were easy. But this one is impossible.
Me: Okay, let's see... remember that a reference angle can only be between...
Amy (interrupting): Oh, I get it now.
Me (confused): Uh... Glad I could "help". hahaha
And then - which is equally as funny - Amy gets back to work. And her pencil FLIES across the page!!! Have you ever seen her do math!!! It is FAAAAASSSSSTTTT!!! Much faster than I can do it. It's actually pretty awesome to watch.
Here's another secret about Amy. She is really sarcastic and very funny! Sometimes she comes in after school to tease me and act silly. I love it! The first time she did, it kind of surprised me ("what's with Amy!???!") but now I know that she can be goofy sometimes (and you know I am a BIG fan of goofy!).
Amy has taught me a number of things about China. For example, never write someone's name in red ink (unless you wish them bad luck). Also, she taught me some "famous" sentence that basically involves the same sound (but with different intonations) about 8 times in a row. Really funny. And then there was the time she was telling me that in China it's a compliment to compare other people to animals. I'm still not sure if I understand (or believe) this one, however...
One of my favourite memories of Amy is the time she came to get help with a tough Calculus problem this year. Now, I know I am a Math teacher, but the last time I did Calculus was about...uh... a very long time ago (I have never taught it). Anyway, I was pretty nervous when she asked for help but I GOT IT!! And I was honestly proud of myself!! I may have even given a fist pump or a "whoop!" or something. Amy gave me this bemused look. She was thankful but I could tell she was also like "what's with the math teacher getting so excited about solving a MATH question?". It was such an AMY look (though I suspect many of you have never seen it). She cracks me up!
Amy, you are such an incredible student! But you are also a charismatic (and wonderful) person! There is an expression in English: "the world is your oyster". It means that everything the world has to offer is available to you. And, with your "smarts", your determination, and your sense of humour I feel this describes you well. Good luck... and I would like to finish by comparing you to a 獾 (because it's associated with "great happiness"... which I wish you now and always!!)