I am so happy that William is nearing the end of Pre-Calculus 12. Not because I want to see him leave (I don't! I don't!) but because I know that Math has - at times - been quite difficult for William. Mind you, part of the reason is William's own fault (more on that later), but still... I am pleased that he is going to successfully complete PreCalc 12 (if you KEEP ON WORKING WILLIAM!!!).
I can't NOT say it... the number one thing I associate with William is him BEING LATE ALMOST EVERY SINGLE CLASS!! It's really quite amazing (almost impressive even). It's been this way right from grade 10 when I first taught him. William would slink into class (wordlessly, and maybe a bit sheepishly) between 15 and 40 minutes late. It got to the point where I told him once: "just be here within the first 10 minutes and I will still count you as on-time". I don't think that worked even a little bit.
Of course, there has been the odd time when William is on time. It's always great fun to make a huge deal about it, pretend I don't recognize him, ask how it got so late in class, etc. It never ceases to amuse me (even if William doesn't look all that impressed. Sorry W.A.!).
Often students who come late all the time have a bit of an attitude. Kind of like: "school sucks so I'll come when I want and what can you do about it anyway..?". William is not like this at all. He has never had the slightest bit of attitude with me. He has always been polite and appreciative. He is a kind and soft-spoken student... and a good guy!
And it's not surprising because (hope this doesn't embarrass you William) William has such a nice mom!! I ALWAYS look forward to seeing her at parent-teacher conferences. She is so vibrant and happy and supportive of William. Plus, she always says kind things to me (and gets me Christmas presents!). What a lovely lady! What a lovely family! Thanks to you both!
William, I am really proud of you for "sticking with Math" over the years. It would have been easy to say "this isn't for me" and stopped in grade 11 but you have pushed on and you will (you BETTER!!!) pass PreCalc 12 this year! Thanks for being such a good sport and a nice person. I wish you all the best in the years ahead!!