Okay, the title is cheesy, but I'm a cheesy guy, so it's all right.
Eight semester hours of science are required for my major. A year ago I had the choice of biology or chemistry, and so like a person with any sense would do, I chose chemistry. I didn't like chemistry in high school and I gave up on it after a while like a true moron. That was eight years ago. I wanted to give it another go and treat it properly. I'm glad I did.
On the first night in August, in walked a man resembling a well-groomed Einstein. He looked like a pushover to some—a nice, old teacher who would turn 78-years-old the next month. The class soon found out that this man, Perry Weston, was more than they had bargained for. Throughout the following ten months Dr. Weston weaved a brief biography of himself by treating us with interesting stories of his life. We learned of his trips to Africa and encounters with "medicinal" roots, JuJu (bad or good, but usually bad), native women selling beads (and the old woman acting as a guide on the hill), as well as his time in Europe and others. He told of the state of humankind, his predictions for the future, as well as life in the past. Oh, we learned a great deal of chemistry as well. Dr. Weston is an excellent teacher and an all around great guy. I heard students say that they don't care for him or his style of teaching. But if one honestly tries to learn from him or even gives him a chance to connect in any way, one will learn something, whether it be academic or not.
Tonight was the last night of chemistry. I finished the exam, which was only nine pages—short compared to our usual tests—and hung around for a while, long after everyone else had left. Dr. Weston probably didn't realize it, but I did this several times. I would stay after just to talk with him for a few minutes about things unrelated to chemistry. We spoke of NCAA basketball, my future, and other things. I did this because he's truly a wise man; because his words all have substance, not just when he tries to express something important. I also did it because I began to think of Dr. Weston as a friend. Tonight was a sad night for me—not only for that reason, but I also befriended several of my fellow students, and I know I'll probably never see them again. If any of you, including Dr. Weston, happen to find my site and read this, feel free to contact me in some way, let me know how things are.
Anyway, I realize that I'm an over-emotional person and that I'm far too sentimental and nostalgic, but that's the way I've always been. I doubt I'll ever change. If I could only say that for so many other things.
Comment Preview
Posted by: