In Praise of Virgil, "ButterBall" & Mrs. O

We've been back in Spanish classes following a 5 day road trip into the jungle region of Ecuador. Blogging about verb conjugations, reflexive verbs and the four uses of the conditional form lacks the excitement of subject matter such as waterfalls, monkeys, jungle flights and riding in a dugout canoe on a jungle river. So, I've been silent on the blog scene for a few days, trying to adjust back to the work at hand....improving in Spanish.

As I've been thinking a lot about grammar again these days, I've found myself thinking of (with gratitude) for some of my English teachers that laid the foundation for the level of understanding that I actually do have of things grammatical.

"Virgil", "Butterball" and "Mrs. O" were three of my English teachers in junior high and in high school. Of course, when addressing them directly, they were Mr. Schultz, Mr. Bartlett and Mrs. Ossenberg. We also had another English teacher nicknamed "Lead Bottom". I'll refrain from further comment. I assure you that the nicknames were passed down to us from the previous generation of students, and are not something for which my classmates and I bear responsibility!

It's been a good while now since I sat under their tutelage, but I've not forgotten their names, their nicknames nor the great care they took in fulfilling their charge of teaching a bunch of adolescents the nature and grammatical structure of the language and their attempts to help us begin to appreciate literature and it's powerful impact on life and one's worldview. Some days they did that....other days they just managed to get through the class period.

And then, as most good teachers do, they also share bits and pieces of practical "life" advice. For example, Mr. Schultz told us that he thought it wise to sign your name the same way each time you sign formal documents, such as personal checks. For some reason, that advice stuck with me. So, Michael A. Brooks it's been for a long time now. I still think of Virgil every now and then when I'm signing "mi nombre oficial".

During these first weeks in Ecuador, I've especially been thinking of these good folks, and also of my English profs in college. There are days when I really wish I had paid more attention in their classes back then. It would have made the process of learning the concepts of the spanish language somewhat easier. Then there are the other days, when I realize that I wouldn't be able to do as well as I am in seeking to acquire a second language were it not for their good instruction. Some of their labors are bearing fruit in my life here and now.

I also took a year of Beginning Spanish and a year of Intermediate Spanish during my working years at SNU. Prof Delores Wood was my professor, and I would say that she was one of that group of teachers and professors who are most engaging and passionate about learning. But that was 15 years ago or so. I wish I had not stopped taking classes at that time, but I am thankful for that foundation leading into this experience.

Language study for me is a "3 steps forward, 2 steps back" kind of process. Just when I think I'm making progress, along comes an experience in conversation or a grammatical concept that I just don't quite "get" and I realize how far I have to go. (The other day, I complimented the seminary president on his good looking suit. At least that's what I intended. He smiled when I realized that I had bragged on what a nice looking dress he was wearing....take two steps back, MB. I knew the word for "suit"...I really did.:) So, I've had a little of both types of experiences these past few days. Tomorrow, we have another exam. I wonder if it'll feel like a step forward, or backward? I better quit blogging and resume preparing, or I can guarantee the answer to my question.

Although not as exciting as outdoor or cultural adventures, I'm grateful for the opportunity to study this language. So, to the memories of Virgil, Butterball, Mrs. O, Prof Wood and others.....Muchas, muchas gracias.


Miguel