School was always something I loved because I always enjoyed learning more. I never felt afraid of going to school early in the morning, and I never tried to get out of any work. I stayed after school every chance I got. I did most of the work I could, got the best grades I could, and in the end, I graduated from high school with honors. All my success was because of the teachers I had who helped me, pushed me, and made learning a fun thing to do.

At the beginning of the school year, I had a lot of trouble leaving my mom in the mornings, but Mrs. Trainer always sat with me, talked with me, and helped me feel OK without my mom. She was understanding, kind, and always made the classroom a comfortable place. Mrs.Trainer also sat down and helped me learn; I was, and still, the worst speller, but she tried her best to help me.

The second was my senior high school English teacher, Mr. Stonerock. Mr. Stonerock was able to make English and writing fun, especially when we had eight-page papers to hand in. Some of my favorite high school memories(记忆) were in his classes. Mr. Stonerock also taught my class APA format(格式)which to me is invaluable. I use it every day in my life. He put up with so many shenanigans(恶作剧)from my classmates and me and always did it with a smile.

My point to all of this is that there are amazing and caring teachers out there whether they teach college level classes, high school level classes, or primary level classes. I have had more influential teachers than I can count. I am still in touch with some of my high school teachers, who give me life advice and guide me. Teachers are invaluable resources and no one can take their place.

If there is one person who has left a deep impression on me, it’s my teacher Mrs. Pathak who was my class teacher for three years. In my childhood, how I wished I had a mother or a sister like her. One moment she could be tough (严厉的) and strict, another moment caring and compassionate (富有同情心的).

She always encouraged us to tell the truth. For instance, if one had not done the homework, he need not lie. She allowed us to make mistakes, saying we couldn’t be perfect all the time, but we should try.

Another thing she taught me early on was punctuality. She set a good example with her own behaviour. She was always on time, so we students tried our best to be on time.

She surprised us with her sense of humour. Her classroom teaching was always humorous. After class, she talked to us and told us jokes.

We really felt free to ask questions and Mrs. Pathak would give the answers. If she did not know — there had been some occasions (场合) — she would say so. We all then tried to find out the answers. Whoever came up with the answer was appreciated and given the due credit (应有的称赞). Now I sometimes wonder whether Mrs. Pathak was pretending just to encourage us to explore and find answers by ourselves.

I remember her words,almost as if they were spoken yesterday.

Mrs.Mabel Price,our high school teacher in that little town of Westminster,in Western Maryland,said,

“You belong in college,and I’m going to do everything I can to get you there.” For me,college was something out of the question,something on a far distant planet,something only， those people who had special rights did.I said,”I can’t go to college because I don’t have the money. There’s no way I could afford it.I’m going to join the army.”

Even though I was graduating at the top of my class in that small town,and enjoyed the experience of learning and thinking,I was used to a long tradition of experience in my family.We were people of limited means,and three of my four older brothers had gone off to join the army.

“Being an army man is a perfectly respectable way of life,”she said,”but you have a gift that can make a difference in the world.I want you to continue your education.I think I can get you into Johns Hopkins University.And I’m working on the money.”Finally,I was off to college.

One day I was walking from the parking lot to my first class,talking with my friend and classmate,and we passed by a group of men who were digging a deep ditch(沟渠)。Suddenly,I knew why I was in college. She was right-I had been given a gift that could take me to wonderful places.I decided then and there that I preferred to make my living with my brain rather than my back.I had been given a choice they didn’t have:an education.

Some years ago,as I reflected on the experience for many times,it occurred to me:”Maybe I could locate Mrs.Price.Maybe she’s still living in Westminster.I could go back there and visit her,bring her a gift,and really let her know how much I’m thankful for what she had done for me.”

So,I began to search online for information about where she might be.I soon discovered an article about her death,published in the Baltimore Sun and dated October 8,2001.

I suppose the lesson for me in this story-or one of the lessons-is this:If you love someone;if you thank them;if you’re grateful to them-tell them now.One day it will be too late.

Well...anyway...Mrs.Price,wherever you are-thank you.