As school starts again I am reminded of the many wonderful teachers I had over the years. Although not a favorite teacher, Mrs. Boone is one of my most appreciated. She was my English teacher my senior year of high school (now forty years ago, ouch!). The one word I choose to describe her is DELIBERATE. Everything about her was deliberate, everything she wore, every movement and gesture, every glance, every word she spoke. She demanded deliberateness in her students, as well, which at times was very frustrating, but something that I have learned to appreciate. Not only did she scrutinize our written words, but she also insisted we speak English properly. She did not allow slang phrases of the day in her class room. Teenagers are known for slang and it was a difficult thing for us to break our language habits for one hour a day. But I am so grateful she insisted, for those good habits she created in me have elevated my conversational speech, serving me well throughout my life. One drawback is that I have become somewhat neurotic about the English language and its usage, both written and spoken. My list of pet peeves about English only grows as its usage declines (thank you texting). And so I shall share those peeves over the next few weeks, possibly making you neurotic about them, too, bwahaha!
Mrs. Boone retired the year she taught my English class. She is probably gone now. But she can enjoy her heavenly reward, knowing that she made me an English monster.
