"I remember her fifty years later." The Students First organization sponsored a six-word essay contest to remember great teachers and point out that thousands are being laid off, using seniority as the criteria. The best teachers are the oldest, in many cases. In the practice of Buddhism when we recall the kindness bestowed upon our lives, when we think to thank the people from whom we have received the biggest gifts, the Buddha comes first, for gving birth to our wisdom, then parents who gave birth to our bodies, then teachers and elders who give birth to our knowledge and our humanity.
The essay contest had 106,000 + voters and they selected Cullen A. of Indiana's essay, "I remember her fifty years later" as the winner. I like the runners-up equally well. They are:
"They doubted, you believed, I succeeded." -- Phillip J., Wisconsin
"Selflessly dedicated to someone else's success.' -- Amanda W., Nevada
"Teachers hold the ladders students climb." -- Rebecca H., Pennsylvania
"All thirty students raised their hand." -- William S., Washington
"Spark interest. Ignite curiosity. Fuel dreams." -- Jackie K., Texas
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