QotD: World Teachers' Day

In honor of World Teachers' Day today, tell us about a teacher who had a positive impact on your life.

I started my schooling at Vista View Elementary School and had some great teachers during my time there.  But, the teacher that probably had the biggest impact on me in my early years was my 6th grade teacher, Ms. Smith.  She had taught in Indonesia and Malaysia prior to coming to Vista View.  As a result, she spent a lot of time on Geography, Social Studies, Cultural Studies, History, etc.  This is what truly sparked my interest in "the world".  Ever since, I have wanted to travel continuously and learn as much as I can about other cultures.  Some of my favorite books typically have something to do with anthropology, sociology, history, and/or culture.  Here are some that I have read and others that are on my list to read:

• Return to Laughter - Elenore Smith Bowen
• Things Fall Apart - Chinua Achebe
• I, Rigoberta Menchu
• The River Between - Ngugi wa Thionga'o
• Long Walk to Freedom - Nelson Mandela
• We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will be Killed With Our Families - Philip Gourevitch
• Amazing Grace - Jonathan Kozol
• Cry, The Beloved Country - Alan Paton

I also developed a weird infatuation with geography and maps.  With a handful of exceptions, I can pretty much tell you where any country is in the world and what its neighboring countries are.  I used to be really good with capitals as well - but that information has passed from my brain over the years. 

I learned a lot from my other teachers during elementary, junior high and high school - but none of them opened my eyes the way that Ms. Smith did. 

Thank you, Ms. Smith!!!