Unique Tribute
I do not use the word “unique” loosely, though the term “tribute” may be up for debate.
“He did it. I saw it. He showed it to me,” announced a 10th grader at the beginning of 5th period. She was emphatic. She was impressed.
I first heard talk of the deed a couple of weeks ago in Senior Seminar, in advance of its execution. Big boasts were made. My name was to be, if not immortalized, at least rendered indelibly. I wryly noted that I wouldn’t be requiring proof.
No, I was not to be “teacher of the month” and featured in the school newspaper (an entirely different exercise than appearing as “hilariously over-aged cheerleader”). To be considered for “teacher of the month,” you have to fill out the yellow survey form. The yellow survey form has sat for maybe six months in my middle desk drawer. It asks those pesky “What is your favorite this or that?” questions, which I never like to answer and which nobody cares about anyway. Indeed I don’t answer them. I haven’t even settled on a favorite color, except that I have forever ruled out orange, except in the case of fruit, daylilies, and marigolds. In those incarnations, orange is still a contender.
The tribute, if it may be called that, had nothing to do with awarding me a new Unitarian Jihad name via the Unitarian Jihad Name Generator online, either. I already have one of those: “Nail Gun of Enlightenment,” and I’m sticking with it. I don’t think students at my current school even know about the Unitarian Jihad Name Generator, though everybody obviously should.
No, it wasn’t a plaque or a red marble apple with my name engraved upon it. It wasn’t a box of candy with a card. It wasn’t one of those thank you notes such as I have saved in a drawer, some dating all the way back to 1982. It wasn’t my very own personalized brick. All too predictable. I say again, I do not use the word “unique” loosely. (Come to think of it, this may be a first occurrence.)
You just really haven’t arrived as an educator until one of your seniors has your name tattoed on his butt 
.
Squirrely Jedi wrote:
Wow. That’s pretty impressive. I am certain though, that you have arrived. ;->
Posted on 24-Apr-07 at 9:42 pm | Permalink
mindspin wrote:
No doubt there was a dare, and money changed hands. No doubt there are honors less dubious to be had. But none quite so deserving of the adjective “unique.”
Posted on 25-Apr-07 at 9:02 pm | Permalink
mindspin wrote:
I stand corrected - no money involved - just “I’m going to …” and “No way. You won’t do it.”
The point? Heaven knows.
Posted on 28-Apr-07 at 7:50 pm | Permalink
jo(e) wrote:
Oh, wow. It’s hard to even know what to say.
Congratulations?
Posted on 29-Apr-07 at 8:09 pm | Permalink