Samantha

There are so many examples of wonderful students, wonderful people who were my students and some time I get wonderful athletes that were wonderful people who were wonderful students. One of those is a young lady, first name, Samantha.  Because she is one of some local notoriety and since many of you know her personally, you will easily guess who she is but I will stick by my policies of only using first name.

I first got to know Samantha at Manual high school watching this tall thin freshman play basketball for the school.  At more than 6 feet tall she could have play forward or even center on some teams, but she was a guard and a superb on at that.  I never saw her show anger or disgust but she made her statement through her play and quiet competitiveness.  She never got in people faces or did anything to show off, but just did the job.

Later, she was one of my students in US History in her junior year.  By then she was well known among followers of girls athletics in Jefferson County and the state of Kentucky.  I found her to be humble, caring and congenial with all, respectful of her teachers and peers and never heard a bad word about her.  I was not sure if this was sincere but soon learned that it certainly was. I was watching her play one night and was sitting beside a female spectator and struck up a conversation.  While watching the game, I happen to say to her, do you see that player dribbling the ball, that is Samantha __________ and she is not only a great basketball player, but she is also a great person and student.  The woman turned to me and said, "Thank you, Samantha is my daughter."  We introduce ourselves and had a big laugh.  I told her that I needed to be the one thanking her for rearing such a great kid for the benefit of the world.  I think that may have embarrassed her.

Samantha went on to be an a star at Auburn, University in Alabama, and as far as I know, she still holds the school record for career three point shots made.  Samantha went into coaching and eventually made her way home and is now an assistant coach for Jeff Walz of the Louisville Cardinal women's basketball team.  A couple of years ago she had her number retired by Manual High School and I went to the game to see it.  I talked to her before the ceremony due to be done during half-time.  With her were a couple of players from the University of Louisville.  One was the now famous WNBA player and native-American ambassador, Shoni Schimmel.  Shoni found out that I was one of her teachers and asked me what Samantha was like in high school.  When I told her the truth, she asked me how much her coach had paid me to say that.  But that is how she is.  Samantha is one of the best.

This is the third time I have tried to post this entry.  The first time I left and forgot to the save it, the second, I tried to save it and failed.  this time I am not going to be interrupted and finally be able to just push publish and be done with it.

After joining Facebook and gathering a number of former students as friends, I began to realize that many of them no longer live in the community and many do not live in the city, the state or the country anymore.  I tried to go through my friends and count the one who were somewhere other than the US and with almost 900 friends, I became tired and gave up.

Some I can remember off the top of my head and I am sure I will not get them all.  Feel free to respond with others.

One of my students from quite a few years ago, is teaching ESL (I think) in  Thailand, and if you are following the news (or lack of it in today's egocentric press)  Things are not well there.  He is also very honest and out there in his Fb postings and I hope this does not cause him problems.

I have at least three students in England, one in Scotland and one that I know of in Ireland.  One is living in Italy and a couple live in South Africa.  So at this point I have covered three continents and except for North America, I don't of any other.  Australia is not covered, as far as I know, nor is South America  and I would love to know if anyone is living in Antarctica.   That would be cool. (Sorry)

One young lady lived in France and had her own baking business.  She has since returned to the Louisville area with her two beautiful daughters and we have lunch occasionally.

there are some in Canada and the last I heard, at least one in Mexico.  Let me also add Uzbekistan.

Some have moved often.  One of my earlier student first traveled with the Marines and after retiring, eventually found himself in Alaska.  From there, he and his wife moved to Hawaii, talk about your change in climate.  It wasn't long that the moved back to Alaska because of a better job offer and it is possible that they soon will be moving back to the Louisville area.  So, Tom, have you ever actually unpacked you suitcases over the years?  A student from a few years ago, at one time lived in Houston and now resides in Florida, as do many others; there are, at least two living in Washington State, two in Arizona, and a very large number in the states near Kentucky, particularly in Indian, Tennessee, and Ohio.  I know of one who is a teacher in Michigan,  and a number who live in New York City.  Many of those are actors and of those Lavon, a mother and actor, just finished a long stint in a big role on Broadway.

Other states and countries that I remember, would include, Missouri, Virginia, Both Carolinas, Georgia Louisiana, Colorado, California, and Montana.  At least no one has claimed North Dakota, which I contend does not exist.  Some other nations would be,  Germany, Poland, Denmark and, I think I remember Sweden.

If I have missed someone, please forgive me but do call me to task.

Much of this is a testament to  successful and adventurous lives and I am proud of so many of my former pupils who have made marks in life, those that have had successful unions, who have struck a blow for a better world by their actions and those have managed to survive and thrive during tough times and tragedies.  I have lost a number of them to death and many have had the lose of parents and other family members through the same.  I rejoice in their triumphs and cry in the dismay and mourning, and feel old in looking at pics of their children and, yes, grandchildren.

Many of the kids, will, by the fact that they live in non-English speaking nation, grow up bilingual and multilingual. Yes I realize, that bilingual is also multilingual, but, please pacify an old man. :) Those who do will have a great advantage. However, I never had trouble being understood by using a few words and sign language as I often did while living in Germany and the Czech Republic (Ceske)

I learned to speak one phrase in the Czech Republic with a perfect accent, jeste jedno pivo, prosem.  It means, I'll have another beer please.  You had to know I would get that one right. It is pronounced something  yestia yedno peevo proseem.)

To all of my student, I salute you in the things you have done and the lives you have touched.  Keep up the fight and know that there is someone who cares.

Just remembered another state, Alabama. Sorry Krishna.