I have discovered this morning from social media that my 9th grade Literature and Composition teacher had passed away at 50. I think back to the intentions I have had to reach out to him and update him on how I have been, but now I have lost that chance entirely. Sometimes I think that it is better to visit family and teachers when I have reached a milestone or professional success, but now I question it, especially as I prepare for the eventual end of this wonderful study abroad program.
Mr. Colangelo retained his youth far more than most of us high school freshmen had. He made impressions with a narrated fake worm which sat on his desk and he introduced us to George Orwell’s literature. I also remember him telling us how awkward it would be for him when he looked up from his desk and found one of his students in mid yawn. I hope that I too could still find humor in life when I reach midlife, even if it is mostly cynical.
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Nothing lasts forever and everyone eventually leaves; that is the reality of this life, and dwelling in this inevitability is futile.
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