The Acquisition For Self-Discovery: How One Teacher Inspired Me to Transform Into Someone Greater
- Vincent Rotondo
- Oct 8, 2019
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 15, 2019
Dear Mrs. Mandell,
As I reflect on the moments we shared together during my time at Intermediate East, I now realize the “Method to your madness” in your eighth grade english class that quite frankly always drove me...well, mad. Thinking of how long it has been since I have last seen you is quite nauseating, however, I want to let you know that I am a freshman at Fairfield University. Now having successfully completed the crazy game of High School, I am writing to you to reflect on my overall writing experiences as well as to thank you for exposing me to The Diary of Anne Frank. I can understand if your lips are in a “Sad candy-cane” position right now in shock of what I am saying. I also apologize for every meltdown I had before each quiz and test, as I realize the beauty that lies within your teaching process now.
Despite my frequent frustration from your weekly portfolios, I appreciate it far more than I ever imagined possible. Revision after revision you made us write, I finally understand why you “tormented” us. Bothered to strive for excellence, you have guided me to always put contemplative thought into conscientiously discerned action. As I reflect on my high school experience, I am sorry to tell you that I never “revised” an essay utilizing the process you taught us, but I do want to let you know that the roots to your teaching strategies have already circled back into my life. For example, I forgot how to properly construct a Rhetorical Analysis, but thanks to my awesome professor, she guided me through the process of revision. (Don’t tell my AP Lang teacher).
Truthfully, one of my greatest regrets is not having visited you while I had the chance. After middle school, my life went into a downward spiral. My mother, who you know I am close to, fell down our stairs and broke her back. Unfortunately, she was unable to walk for six months and I lost touch of the effervescent boy I once was. As my “after-school activity” became watching my lifeless mother on her bed, I experienced an awakening when I came across my journal entries in the color coordinated binder you made for me. Inspired to discover the good in such a horrible situation, I decided to see through the lens in which Anne Frank once perceived the world. Like Anne, I document my fruitful journey in a journal which is what has guided me thus far in my life. Fostering a commitment to wisdom and learning, both The Diary of Anne Frank and my personal journal have provided me a sense of self awareness in such a complex society. As I reflect upon the various scribbles that account for the past four years of my life, I am no longer lost, but rather, I found myself for having found a safe haven in writing. Thank you for everything and I hope to visit very soon. (MAYBE THIS WEEK?)
P.S, I have made it an annual tradition to visit the Holocaust Museum in honor of Anne Frank and the voices of the other victims who can no longer be heard.
Best wishes,
Vinny “Mozzarella Boy” Rotondo
Enjoy some photographs from my annual adventures in DC. Take a moment to reflect on the tragic events that occurred during the Holocaust and be inspired to be the change!
I would've never even thought about writing a letter for a blog post, nonetheless one to an old teacher. I thought this was really creative and highlighted the idea that writing and learning to write as a whole is a process, since we are influenced by many teachers along the way. I thought your voice and personality both shone in this piece, especially during the times you were more vulnerable. I found this post to be very relatable overall, especially the idea of a teacher who pushed revising and that it never really came into play until the Rhetorical Analysis. I loved the different media you used such as the pictures from the Holocaust Museum and the YouTube video. Overall,…
Thank you Miranda and Mary for taking the time to reflect on my piece, I greatly appreciate your kind comments. If you would like to know anything additional, feel free to reach out! Enjoy the rest of your day!
I had never thought of writing a letter as a blog post and I think that this format helped you establish your voice throughout the piece. Your piece was really organized and had a logical flow for the reader to follow. I would consider to incorporate what subject Mrs. Mandell taught, and what time in your school career you had her as a teacher, in the beginning of the piece. I think that your application of what you learned in school to your own life experience made the piece captivating to the reader. Your piece was interesting and enjoyable to read!
Very creative approach writing in the format of a letter! It was unique to write to teacher from so long ago to showcase the drastic changes that you have implemented into your writing process since you were in her classroom. The blog post is well done and it reflects on both how your approach to writing has changed since settling into college, and how you find writing to be your safe haven as opposed to a tedious task as you did in the past. Your personality shines through the piece, and keeps the letter upbeat by adding personal light-hearted anecdotes.