In honor of "Teacher Appreciation Week", I would like to acknowledge Maureen Darling. Ms. Darling was my 6th-grade teacher at the former Miller Street School (now Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary) in Utica.  It's been a long time since Ms. Darling was my teacher, but the lessons she taught will forever leave a lasting impression on me. I can't remember any other teacher during all my years in school who was as kind, compassionate and patient as she was. She knew when I was struggling with something and would explain it repeatedly until I got it. That was who she was. Ms. Darling wanted and expected nothing less than the best from me. I think she had more faith in me than I had in myself.

Even at 12 and 13 years old, I knew what I wanted to do "when I grew up." So did she! How could she not? It was pretty much the only thing I talked about ALL DAY LONG. You would think my constant chitter chatter about the broadcasting business would have annoyed her. If it did, she didn't show it. She believed in me and in my dreams and for that I thank her.


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