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| Listen to what that other guy is talking about! |
Cliff is about 15 years older than the group. We young guys who came from Saskatchewan to teach in Alberta and needed some support. So Cliff also being from Sask. took us under his wing. Cliff was in his mid forties and had just finished his Education degree and with his experience had lots of good advice for us. We were starting families so he gave more than educational advice but advice in our family life as well. Sometimes there were those small loans of five or ten bucks so that we could survive to the next paycheck.
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Any difficulties we had at school or home could be taken to Cliff.
Most of us went on to participate in other educational areas. One became a Principal of two very large high schools. One had a long career as an assistant principal. One developed a very successful art program. One was a dept. head for a long time. I became involved in professional activities with the Teachers' association. Cliff would ask if I'd like to go on a committee and recommend it. He could make this committee sound very interesting.This lead to becoming more involved.
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Cliff's influence was quiet but gave one the confidence to move on and take the challenge.
All this happened in the late sixties and early seventies before mentor ship was thought of by educators. Now mentor ship is a common tool in the development of good teachers. Cliff had the mentor ship idea down to a T long before mentor ship was formally used.
So we enjoy a lunch and a good visit. We don't dwell on old times but talk about current times.
So here's to many more good lunches with Cliff.
It's amazing that you are all still in touch after more than half a lifetime.
ReplyDeleteIt's brilliant.
It's easy! We all still live in the same town.
DeleteThat is nice you still meet each other, a good tradition.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good way to touch base with each other.
DeleteRed - it sure is comforting to have such a nice person in your life, when you were young and inexperienced and still today to get together and enjoy your friend. You are right - People like Cliff were mentoring long before it became a job and someone got paid to do it. I think we have been fortunate to have experienced the best of times. I remember my Mom saying once when I was young, "My, how times have changed" - now - I can say that. My mentor was our neighbour "Mr. Pat Kane" - he mentored me in sports and it is because of him I became successful. We were so fortunate, Eh.
ReplyDeleteYou're right that we have lived in the best of times. We worked during good economic times. When I started jobs were a dime a dozen. Now, well qualified people don't get jobs.
DeleteOh Red this is wonderful Cliff was a man ahead of his time. B
ReplyDeleteI was very lucky to teach with him. We team taught middle school science. He had excellent ideas.
DeleteHe sounds like such a great person; wise and generous. We all benefit from people like Cliff in our lives.
ReplyDeleteWe need and we benefit from good mentors. I have seen young teachers thrown to the wolves. They need support to get going.
DeleteIsn't it nice to be a young one in someone's eyes? Cliff sounds like a fine person, Red, as well as a mentor to others. Thanks for introducing us. :-)
ReplyDeleteCliff was excellent at socializing with younger people.
Deletewow! all of the lives he touched by being mentors to you 'young guys' who then went on to influence so many young minds and souls!!! quite the impressive ripple he put out into the world!
ReplyDeleteYes mentoring is powerful. It's like the pebble thrown into the pond and the ripples expand.
DeleteCliff sounds like a great guy. The world could use more Cliffs.
ReplyDeleteYes , we could do with people who walk the talk and are respected.
DeleteI have a good one I still ask questions.
ReplyDeleteYou are right on the pollution becoming less paddling. The largest oil pollution is small engines, even over oil spills.
What you're saying is true. One has to be capable of making use of a good mentor.
DeleteSound like a good guy to have known, and still know, It is always good to pay it forward .
ReplyDeleteI think what you're saying is that mentoring goes both ways. How true.
DeleteSuper post! Cliff sounds like a wonderful person. The world needs a few more like him!!
ReplyDeletethe world just needs people who care about others. we are too selfish these days.
DeleteMentors are magnificent! My beekeeping mentor is a godsend!!
ReplyDeleteFunny, I only keep in touch with a couple of my teaching buddies.
ReplyDelete