Open Writing

I had a wonderful experience the other day—a meeting with a past student of mine: a student of some 30 years ago.

The student whom I'll call John was in my Grade 2 Class. I can still see John hurrying through the classroom door with uncombed hair, shirt hanging out and a smile that would melt anyone's heart. His elder brother was also in my class as it was a Grade 2-3. John and brother William were each a delight to have in any classroom. Typical boys as I recollect—loved a rough and tumble—worked hard in class and were always ready to contribute. Their intellect was exceptional.

In my mind then and even in later years I imagined John becoming a doctor and William working in development for some government authority. Well this recent meeting was to be the answer to all my unasked questions.

Throughout my years of teaching there were students and classes that stood out and remained ever present in my memories of those wonderful days. This 2-3 class was one and John definitely a student I'd always remember.

Recently I was the Celebrant at a funeral and on leaving the Chapel I noticed a tall, very presentable, young man. My mind went back some thirty years—could this be John? With a smile and a fuzzy feeling in my heart, I approached him, introduced myself and asked, 'Is your name John?'

He replied 'yes' and with that smile of thirty years ago said, 'You used to teach me. You had long hair then.'

'You had more hair then,' I replied. 'No. I think my head is just bigger.'

With that remark I was back in my classroom of thirty years ago. From that moment on we spoke of those wonderful days and the fun and learning that went on in that little wooden annex classroom at a school that had nothing but concrete grounds for play areas. Names of pupils and teachers were recalled and it was just as if the clock had stood still for all those years.

In reality though John had gone on to university, studied commerce, management, finance, working in that area for some time on the mainland and was now returning home from interstate to re-enter the family business as a valued board member. William had gone on to university as well and was working in a job very demanding of responsibility and leadership. Not the exact role I had imagined, but both boys had grown to be fine gentlemen, made the most of their opportunities and were filling exemplary roles in business and the community.

Meeting up with John again after all these years makes me even more grateful for the opportunity I had in teaching young people who are now fine adults in a very demanding and challenging environment. It also makes me proud to think my son and daughter have both chosen the same profession and will in time feel the same pride that I did when I saw that 'smile' of thirty years ago.

© Jan Rodman