Francesco Bongiovanni

When I think of the ancestors who lift me up in my teaching I immediately think of my late friend Arnold. Arnold was an elderly man who I unexpectedly met at a recreational center. I was only 14 years old when I met Arnold and was at a point in my childhood where I was beginning to take on responsibilities. After graduating Junior High my parents insisted that I volunteer at a institution where I could get real world experience and understand the value of work. About 2 miles from where I lived stood a recreational center for the elderly. One hot summer afternoon I had walked into the establishment and was greeted by a tall man who had grey hair and a genuine smile. He introduced himself as Arnold and had offered me a box of oatmeal cookies and a Hersey bar. He immediately started talking to me as if I was his nephew and had introduced me to all the members of the establishment. He later asked if I had any relatives at the center. I told Arnold that my grandmother had passed 3 years earlier and I was there to volunteer so I could gain real world experience. He jokingly asked, “you don’t want to play ball with the other kids in the neighborhood?” I told him that my parents were pretty strict and did not let me hang out with my friends because my grades were poor. It was at that point that Arnold told me he was a retired school teacher and from that moment forward we had developed a strong bond that had lasted up until his passing. Up to this day I consider Arnold as the most influential mentor of my life. In the 10 years of knowing Arnold, he helped me through high school, encouraged me to continue my studies in college and after his passing I was motivated to continue my studies into graduate school. Arnold was a widow who never had the chance of having children but despite this he was a very graceful man who was full of happiness and had lit up a room everywhere he went. He was a World War 2 veteran who had lived through some of the most amazing times in history was always full of stories. Arnold’s wisdom and kindness is what led me to pursue teaching. Arnold saw potential in me that was hidden for years. I always thought of myself as a poor student who could not retain much information. After years of mentorship and encouragement by Arnold I came to understand that there is no such thing as a poor student. Everyone has potential. It is all about helping students recognize their potential so that they can live up to their fullest and pursue every dream they desire. This is what I strive to achieve as an instructor and a former student.