Damien at the Speed of Life

As I sit here writing I am in the “afterglow” of adrenaline that comes from meeting a celebrity. Probably even more than that because celebrities aren’t very “mystical” to me. Jack OConnell, the California Superintendent of Education visited my room as I was teaching along with a scattering of big names from the district and county levels. I gathered myself together and managed to focus on my lesson as the cameramen were kneeling and running between desks trying for those telling shots.

After what seemed long, but was probably only 15 minutes or so, my principal Karen Redfield interrupted my lesson very kindly and apologetically to ask for a photo-op with Jack. I of course was very excited to oblige. As a student of the California Dept. of Ed. teaching standards and systems therein, I have seen his face many times on the internet. We shook hands and he very kindly took notice of my diplomas that I went to Cal State Fullerton. He told me he was an alumni and in fact had just spoken at an alumni gathering there recently. This was so encouraging to me that he would show such interest in where I went to school.

I will be asking my Principal what paper the photographers were from (I think ironically enough it was the Daily Press – I wonder if Katherine Rosenberg will be the credited author? Either way I know the students here will get the positive article about their school they deserve!). I know Dave Duensing, one of my colleagues, snapped a digital of Jack and I so I will be sure and post that once I get it from him. Have you ever thought about meeting one of your heroes? For me, the thought became reality and it was truly a charging experience to continue to teach with vision.

Should I ever be in a position like his where someone looks up to me, I will be sure and at least try through consideration to give them the same sort of charge! Everybody should feel this way!

Link to Daily Press Printed Article About Jack OConnell’s Visit to Westside Park