Indian Parents

Today was a good day. An excellent day.

Today we had Parent Teacher Conferences. I tell all my collegaues, "it's my favorite day of the year!"

They all look at me like, "are you crazy??"

No. I'm not crazy. I received so many thanks today. And I realized: what I'm doing in this life is worthwhile! I hear so many times, "Your name, Mr. Mick, comes up frequently at the dinner table." I realize that I am having an impact on families, and they appreciate what I do.

Sometimes, at our school, I feel like a prostitute. I am told "Do this!" Do that!" and I don't want to do this or do that. But I must. Because the poeple telling me are the ones who sign my paycheck.

But I have never felt that way about teaching mathematics. I have always loved it. From the budding Einstein who is much smarter than me to the budding 7-11 worker who will never be able to solve 2x + 2 = 4, I have always loved to share, or to try to share, my love of mathematics.

When the parents come and say "we are so lucky that our child has you as a teacher!" (which they do often at our school), it makes me feel warm inside.

I especially like the Indian parents. One of my students, an Indian, asked: WHY????
"Four reasons!" I replied. "1) They have high expectations. 2) They value academics. 3) They respect teachers. 4) (most importantly) They love mathematics!!"

"True" she responded, "but you don't have to live with them!"