If you’re lucky enough in life, you have a teacher or two (in my case, thankfully, a few more) that makes such an impact on your existence that you’re able to pinpoint the exact moments in which they helped shape this blob of dysfunctional clay into something that one day may contribute to society.
Ms. P (she’ll always be Ms. P) helped teach me that being yourself and embracing what makes you, you is the greatest thing you can do for yourself, your friends, and your peers.
How a resolute approach and an admirable work ethic will always be enough — and when you stumble, you can hang your (Mets) hat on those values. (She was a HUGE Mets fan)
She taught me how to lead. She taught me how to work better with others. She taught me to not take myself so damn seriously.
And she also taught me how to play a pretty funky bass clarinet.
“Dude,” I miss the music… and I’ll miss you.