Teacher Love

Mr. Walling was my middle school science teacher. He took the time to encourage me to break out of my shy shell and ask questions about the world around me. My father was a coal miner with a 10th-grade education. Most teachers treated me as if I didn’t have a chance at graduating, let alone going on to college. Mr. Walling saw that my dad had encouraged my love of science and that my mom spent hours supplementing my education – trips to museums, books, anything that would help me. Mr. Walling took the time to meet my parents and encourage them in their efforts. His interest caused me to develop a lifelong love of science. I now hold a Masters and teach science to middle school students. All thanks to Mr. Walling.