A Good Teacher Rocks

Imagine a shy, soft-spoken high school freshman sitting among mostly juniors and seniors in Mrs. Rethwisch's first hour speech class. See this young woman rise, clutching her notes, and walk to the podium. Terrified, she takes a breath and begins her well rehearsed and now long forgotten speech.

You can almost hear her, can't you? 

No? Apparently, few did. 

As she collects her papers, pleased beyond measure all is over and she can return to her seat, Mrs. Rethwisch asks, "Laurie, do you always speak so softly?"

The young woman's extended pause prompts a student to reply in the affirmative. 

Mrs. Rethwisch appears thoughtful. "Say good morning Mrs. Rethwisch. As loud as you can Laurie."

The young woman looks with longing at her chair before complying.

"Again please. Louder"

The young woman, now trembling slightly and sure the person advising "pretend everyone is naked" has never actually stood before an audience, again complies.

"Again please. Louder"

The young woman wonders why Mrs. Rethwisch isn't bursting into flames.

"GOOD MORNING, MRS. RETHWISCH!"

Mrs. Rethwisch smiles. "You may take your seat Laurie." 

Myself as the Siren and Lori Zinkl as the
Beautiful Woman, L1 and L2 respectively for
The Siren indie film project.

As it turns out, this was a pivotal moment. A good teacher rocks.  It's their job.