Teacher's Influence: Rediscovering Passion

Growing up in the culturally diverse Province of Quebec during the 80s and 90s provided a unique and challenging upbringing for me. Being born to a French Canadian father and an English-speaking mother meant I was exposed to both languages and their respective cultures, creating a fascinating but sometimes conflicting experience.

In an era when dual-income families were becoming more common, my parents adhered to traditional roles. My father was the sole breadwinner, working tirelessly to support our family, while my mother took care of the household. Looking back now, I deeply appreciate the sacrifices my father made for us, even though it meant I didn't get to see him as much as I would have liked. Despite his demanding schedule, he always made time for me, demonstrating his unwavering love and dedication. When I entered Highschool, my dad pulled me out of the French school system and I went to an English school but I was in a bilingual program with advanced French classes. This meant all my classes, except for English were in French. I remember my first year of English classes. Despite learning English in my French elementary school, these classes were a little more advanced for me. This did not deter me so much because I was and still am an avid reader and was able to keep up. I remember reading the novel ''The Outsiders'' by S.E Hinton and being enamoured by the story. I also wrote a poem that blew my teacher away and got to read it in front of an audience at school. I looked forward to English class and unlike most students, I enjoyed writing book reports and essays about the content I was reading.

One of the many book covers from S.E Hinton's novel, ''The Outsiders'' (amazon)

My second year was not as successful. I got a bad teacher whom everyone referred to as Mr. Potato Head because he resembled the children's toy. I learned real fast and was disheartened by the rumours that were true about him. I worked my ass off in his class and I kept getting unsatisfactory grades but the girls who rolled up their school uniform skirts and slacked off were passing with flying colours. I decided from then on to slack off too which lead to a significant increase in my grades. Looking back, I now understand that I was cheating myself out of a genuine learning experience and the opportunity to fully appreciate classic works such as Harper Lee's ''To Kill A Mockingbird.''

The classic children's toy, Mr. Potato Head (Walmart)

In my final year of high school, everything changed when I was introduced to a remarkable teacher named Gary. Transferring to an alternative school brought Gary into my life, and he became the catalyst for reigniting my passion for English literature. His infectious love for the written word, particularly Shakespeare, inspired me to delve deeper into the beauty and complexity of literary works. We would have animated discussions about "Macbeth," and he even lent me a book of Shakespearean sonnets, sparking my curiosity about the mysterious ''dark lady of the sonnets.''

During his office hours, Gary introduced me to the works of Edgar Allan Poe, an author I had not previously encountered. His mentorship and encouragement breathed new life into my passion for English literature. Thanks to him, I experienced the madness of Lady Macbeth trying to cleanse her hands of blood and the haunting fear of the tell-tale heart beneath the floorboards.

An image from a scene in Edgar Allan Poe's short story
''The Tell-Tale Heart'' (The Paris Review)

Today, I made a decision that took me back in time to my high school days when I was introduced to Harper Lee's classic novel "To Kill A Mockingbird." The moment I held the book in my hands again, memories flooded back, and I realized just how much I had cheated myself during my encounter with this literary masterpiece in Mr. Potato's class.

"To Kill A Mockingbird" is set during the Great Depression in the racially charged atmosphere of Alabama. As I re-read the novel, I found myself once again navigating the world through the eyes of Scout, the young protagonist, as she grows up in a turbulent time period marked by racial prejudice and social inequality. Scout's innocent perspective allows me to witness the harsh realities of the time while also experiencing her childhood adventures alongside her brother, Jem, and their friend, Dill.

I am now able to fully appreciate the depth and significance of the themes explored in the book, including the injustice faced by Tom Robinson, a black man wrongly accused of a crime, and the extraordinary moral compass of Scout's father, Atticus Finch, as he courageously stands up against prejudice and discrimination.

The novel's exploration of the enigmatic Boo Radley also captivates me anew. I am transported back to Scout, Jem, and Dill's curiosity as they embark on a mission to uncover the truth about Boo, who has become an iconic figure of mystery and fear. This renewed reading experience allows me to fully comprehend the subtle references to Boo Radley that have been sprinkled throughout my favourite TV show, ''Gilmore Girls,'' which I never quite grasped before.

As I delve deeper into the narrative, I can't help but draw parallels between the struggles faced by the characters in "To Kill A Mockingbird" and the societal issues that persist today. The novel's poignant portrayal of racism and prejudice serves as a reminder that, despite the passage of time, some challenges still persist in our world.

Book cover from Harper Lee's novel ''To Kill A Mockingbird'' (Britannica)

In reflecting on my experiences with both Mr. Potato Head and Gary, I realize the profound impact teachers can have on their students' lives. While Mr. Potato Head's negative influence remains a stain on my academic journey, Gary's dedication and passion for teaching rekindled my love for literature and helped shape my future path.

Looking back on my diverse upbringing in Quebec, I see how navigating two linguistic and cultural worlds has enriched my perspective and identity. Despite the challenges and difficulties along the way, I am grateful for the journey that led me to discover my true passion and appreciation for the written word. It is a testament to the power of great teachers and the transformative influence they can have on their students. Revisiting "To Kill A Mockingbird" has been an eye-opening and enriching journey. It has given me the opportunity to reconnect with a cherished piece of literature and to gain a deeper understanding of its profound impact on the world of literature and society as a whole. I am grateful to have had this chance to appreciate the novel in its true essence and recognize the valuable lessons it imparts to readers of all generations.

“Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing.”

(Lee, Harper, To kill a mockingbird)