If you live long enough and move around, you can make connections in the oddest ways. This past week I had the pleasure of learning about a former colleague's grandmother.
I recently announced in the Press-Telegram Alumni Group on LinkedIn that I started a new position with the Pascua Yaqui Tribe. My former colleague Brian Johnson was kind enough to offer his congratulations and volunteered that his grandparents had taught English to the Yaqui people several decades ago. I asked for their names and he told me his grandmother's name was Lucille Hand.
This past week I was chatting with Lina, who staffs our reception desk. The topic of languages came up, so I took the opportunity to delve deeper. She grew up speaking Spanish and Yaqui, not learning English until 6th grade. Mrs. Hand was her 6th grade teacher in Old Pascua! Lina shared fond memories of Mrs. Hand, telling me that she was the first teacher who took the time and care to make sure that her students really learned their subjects. "Good enough" was not good enough for Mrs. Hand.
As it happens, two of the major influences in my life were also teachers. One was Mrs. Tait, my American History teacher, who was a legend at Miami Edison Senior High and about whom I have written in a Facebook high school alumni group. The other was my grandmother Jo Randall, who wound up her teaching career at Westview Junior High in a poor area of Miami. She and I spent a lot of time together and several times when we were out and about, she was approached by someone who had been her student. They all were very thankful for the impact she had on their lives and were eager to share their achievements, hopes and dreams. I am very proud of her work and dedication to learning.
Brian and I had a work friendship for a number of years and I am glad we are still in touch, if for no other reason than having a second degree connection to his grandmother. Judging by Lina's remembrances, she was a special woman. Brian should be very proud of Mrs. Lucille Hand.
