The Honorable Jackie Goldberg, my 12th grade World History teacher, attended the 45th reunion of Centennial High’s Class of 1968 last night in Long Beach, California. I believe she attended the 25th but I didn’t get the chance to talk to her then. The inspiration to do so probably wasn’t as strong then as it was last night.
Twenty years ago, I was just beginning to push the envelope of my worldview beyond the exposures of my work environments, studies, research, and vacation spots that only needed a driver’s license for ID. But Ms. Goldberg planted a seed of knowledge and curiosity in my 18 year-old mind that with the nutrients of time and experience has blossomed into a personal mission to gain and share the wisdom the world has to offer. I remember that her lessons went beyond world history to engaging us in active and lively dialog about national and world events. She exposed us a world beyond Compton and anything I’d seen or experienced during my family’s summer travels up and down Hwy 99. That seed she planted has grown like a vine of critical thinking and wonder about the world and the diverse perspectives of others. Thank you, Jackie, for your contribution to who I am!
My fellow Apaches have always seemed to remember me as the smart girl. I was a shy teenager and wouldn’t need more than my ten fingers to count the people who considered me their friend http://kodu..-cialis.html. But last night, several of my classmates – some of them in that small circle, some not – thanked me and told me how helpful I had been. I guess back then I intuitively knew that my gift was the ability to better understand what we were being taught. I enjoyed truly sharing what (and how) I had learned.
But the theme running through last night’s conversations and program was awareness the unique and personal gift we are here to share; in long careers, retirement and in new journeys just beginning like my own. For that reason, all of us heard the call to come back to Centennial as role models, mentors and advocates. Those kids need hope and Jackie Goldbergs!
My deepest gratitude goes out to the organizing committee for a lovely and memorable event, to Ms. Goldberg, Mr. Freeman, and Mr. Newman for taking the time to show us all what we should be doing – coming back; and to all my classmates that gave me a wider perception of self.
I love you all!
Olivia
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