Crystal

[vaneramos]

It's the fantasy of many a gay man to attend a party with the most fabulous woman in the room hanging off his arm (apart from the bride of course). Today I was that lucky guy, the envy of even a few straight women. I must have a thing for high school math teachers, because Crystal is one.

She commented that with her college level math classes (in Canada that refers to vocational college) she usually spends more time at the beginning of the year getting to know the students, so they will like her. Some people criticize that approach, she said, but if they like her they will work harder. Who the teacher likes doesn't matter.

On the drive home tonight, it hit me: in elementary and high school I liked most of my teachers (except for a few duds), and always had straight A's. At university it was harder to get to know my instructors, and my marks sank to B's. I still did better in seminar-type courses, which fostered discussion. When I went to college for journalism, the classes were much smaller, and I excelled again. To this day I have trouble applying myself unless my performance or contribution is appreciated by someone. I'm glad Crystal's comment highlighted this quality. I could try to change my motivation, but would probably get further by figuring how to make it work for me.

Oh yes, the bride was lovely too!