I was the dorkiest 9th grader at Cherokee County High School. I had huge glasses, an awkward lanky 6"3 frame and I walked the halls fearful of any seniors looking to push me up against the lockers. I was starting to discover 'real music' at this time so I was wearing Beatles shirts and talking about Van Morrison nonstop. School was such a drag to me. I'd rather be learning guitar.
The only class I really enjoyed was history. I loved both World History and American History, but I was especially obsessed with the cultural changes our country had endured since the Civil War. I loved reading about the radical changes in politics in the 1960's. All of these interests of mine seemed to magically come together and create the perfect teacher. Like a creature from Dr. Frankenstein's laboratory, Doug Ford emerged from behind his desk, toting a guitar and quoting Bob Dylan. He had actually lived the 60's and had experienced that turbulent time in our history. Mr. Ford was the 'cool' teacher. He rode a Harley to school. He brought in his guitar and played us Civil War era folk songs. He started a contemporary music class where we were encouraged to start a band and perform our songs during lunch. This man was a godsend.
He shared a disgust for the way football players were worshipped at our school and would let me and my buddies stay in his room during pep rallys to watch TV. As if he couldn't get any cooler than that, he also coached my soccer team. But more importantly than all of this, he was an encouragement. He didn't scold or belittle his students. He made learning about history fun and relevant. I became friends with him and after I graduated we played in a church band together for a few years. He is an incredible man. Ten years from now I hope there will be at least one student who will say the same about me.
The only class I really enjoyed was history. I loved both World History and American History, but I was especially obsessed with the cultural changes our country had endured since the Civil War. I loved reading about the radical changes in politics in the 1960's. All of these interests of mine seemed to magically come together and create the perfect teacher. Like a creature from Dr. Frankenstein's laboratory, Doug Ford emerged from behind his desk, toting a guitar and quoting Bob Dylan. He had actually lived the 60's and had experienced that turbulent time in our history. Mr. Ford was the 'cool' teacher. He rode a Harley to school. He brought in his guitar and played us Civil War era folk songs. He started a contemporary music class where we were encouraged to start a band and perform our songs during lunch. This man was a godsend.
He shared a disgust for the way football players were worshipped at our school and would let me and my buddies stay in his room during pep rallys to watch TV. As if he couldn't get any cooler than that, he also coached my soccer team. But more importantly than all of this, he was an encouragement. He didn't scold or belittle his students. He made learning about history fun and relevant. I became friends with him and after I graduated we played in a church band together for a few years. He is an incredible man. Ten years from now I hope there will be at least one student who will say the same about me.
