Thanks to a teacher.

I had a dream last night about an old teacher of mine. His name is Jim Beck and he was my Visual Communications teacher in 7th grade and taught graphic arts when I was in 9th grade.

Mr. Beck was one of the first teachers that made an impact in my life. His classes were fun and he really related to the students. This may have something to do with him graduating from the same school we were in, or that he was fresh out of college.

I remember the first time I met him. It was the second semester in 7th grade, 9th period, the last of the day. I walked in the room and it was "like" at first site. He looked just the guy the played "The Greatest American Hero."

He was nice, and us pimply nosed kids learned how to make really cool things. He had us design a stand (for lack of a better word) that we had to make out of manilla folders. This stand had to have "cells" in it like a bees nest and the end result would be that we would set weights on top of it and see how much weight it could hold. It was amazing that something made of manilla could withstand a 100 pound anvil.

That year, he and I become friends. At least as much as a teacher and student could. He would write me passes to come down to the technology area and I would hang out with the "gang" which were comprised of other teachers and students. I would grade papers and work on projects for the school. I call this the beginning of my brown nose years :)

As I went into 8th grade, I continued with "hanging out" with the gang, even though I didn't have Mr. Beck for class. This was the only place in school that I felt wanted, needed and appreciated.

9th grade was a blast for me, yeah I had him for class, but this is were I learned darkroom techniques. He taught us how to develop black and white photos, as well as color slides. He taught us the meaning of working hard for things you believe in and never selling yourself short.

I remember him coming to me one day to ask my opinion about something. He had been offered a job in Colorado with a firm, he wanted to know if he should take it. Heck Yeah!!! Yes, he could always fall back on teaching, but this was the opportunity of a life time. Off he went at the end of my 9th year in school. The day he said goodbye to me, he gave me his prized hockey stick, which I still have.

I think I saw him one other time after that and got a few letters, though I heard from others what had happened to him. He got married and went to Colorado. He was there for a couple years and left his wife. He moved to Bucks County, PA and started teaching again. He got married again and has a couple kids.

Anyhow, this man made an impact in my life. He made me appreciate art and school. He is one of the reasons I am graduating from grad school in two weeks. I want to thank him for that - so thanks Mr. Beck for making me the person I am today.