Soul on Fire

As I sat in 9th grade pre-algebra I was giddy with a secret. Written on my paper turned over on my desktop was an answer the teacher was convinced didn’t exist. The day before she had given out homework, but it wasn’t the typical homework. It was one problem to solve. Just one. I probably spent 2 hours on that homework. As she brought the class to attention with a sly smile, she asked, “So what did you think of last night’s homework? Did anyone solve the equation?” I sat in silence as I waited for the others to answer. As I listened to the chatter and banter, the consensus was that there was no solution. The teacher seemed a little smug and satisfied with herself. I slowly raised my hand and she just looked at me. Quietly I told her, “Yes ma’am, I have an answer.” She looked quite surprised, probably feeling sure I was wrong. She told me to go the board and write it out and I could feel every pair of eyes on the back of my head. Much to her surprise, I HAD solved the equation. This was one of a few shining math moments in high school. I thrived on solving problems and the methodology behind them. Math is made up of concrete principles that helped me make sense of the world.

Sophomore English changed things up a little for me and no one was more surprised than me. I had a particular teacher who was passionate about reading and the power of words. That passion came through in her teaching and it was infectious. Listening to her talk about how powerful words could be stirred something in my soul and she inspired me to write. I had always loved reading, but writing became a calling. Writing…