I read today that a former student of mine, Ryan Cleary, has resigned from the NDP. Good for him. I've no doubt it was an eye opener for him (as he says) but I think journalism is his passion. In fact I think he can do more for Newfoundland politics with his pen than with his mouth. However his mouth is pretty darn good too.
I remember Ryan as a student at St Francis High School in Harbour Grace. Quite the thinker and in those days of one-finger typing and black ink stencils, I moderated our newspaper called "The Spindrift". Ryan was clever, a go getter, and just a smart kid. In fact he was more than just a smart kid...he was intelligent. I liked that about him. Years later when I read The Independent I enjoyed his articles and his ability to slice and dice and bring out the full flavour on the political scene. His keen eye and Johnathan Swift style of writing made me think. Journalism was and is his passion for sure!
As a teacher you hear lots of stories of former students and what they are doing these days. Some are opening mines and some are opening minds. Ryan Cleary has opened mine for a long time. I look forward to his next illuminating article.
Now, where in the old trunk did I put a copy of a 1977 Spindrift, I wonder?
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You sure do bring back memories, and good ones at that. The Spindrift days were good ones, and I have you to thank for that. You were one of a couple of teachers who profoundly impacted my life. Thank you, thank you. My ambition, as noted in the 1984 St. Francis yearbook, was journalist.
ReplyDeleteI happened to come across this Blog when I was reading over the "Fisherman's Road".... it comes to amaze me how even years after students graduate from the K-12 system, former students and former teachers of students have this way of re-connecting when people lest expect it.
ReplyDeleteIt got me wondering how all those who have taught me in the past are up to now.....
Have you two ever considered talking to "The Muse" (MUN's student newspaper?) I am sure they would probably love to do a story on newspapers that once existed...
Source: http://www.themuse.ca/
They are located on the 2th Floor of the UC (University Centre) at the MUN (St.John's Campus)