Infinity plus 1

I woke up to sad news this morning. My former Math teacher and class adviser in junior high school passed away.

The details of his passing are still unclear as of this writing. From what I initially heard, his body is already showing early signs of decomposition because he had been dead for 2-3 days when he was found inside his condo unit.

This teacher was notorious for being strict. Unfortunately for me who’s struggling in his subject, he’s never short on the insults and the name-calling. I will never forget how he once threatened me; that he’ll throw a stapler right smack on my forehead because I was having a hard time solving an equation on the blackboard. (Do that at this day and age, and that will be enough to get him to Raffy Tulfo’s show.)

Except for when I was already in college, I was never, ever a teacher’s pet. When I look back and think about why some teachers didn’t like me back in high school, I honestly can’t find a justifiable reason. I mean — I know I might have been talkative in class, but I was never rowdy or unruly; I might have been a slacker at times, but I was never irresponsible; it may look like I was cold and indifferent, but I was never disrespectful.

Maybe it has something to do with how I come off to them. Perhaps it’s my overall mien that made me somewhat unlikeable to some members of the faculty. 

Then again, compared to other teachers who hated me just because, sir would only lose his cool on me during his class. And I really can’t blame him if he flips out on me. My brain cells usually go kaput when I am asked to solve an equation in front of the class.

I understand even then that his anger is more of frustration, especially when he knew I am pretty good at most of my subjects (and an academic scholar even). When the bell rings signaling the end of his class, nothing becomes personal. As a matter of fact, he’s particularly nice and fair to me. 

This sets him apart from the other teachers who resort to berating a pupil beyond the usual teacher-student interaction. Bully teachers criticize you not because you are struggling on the subject or for having bad behavior, but just because he or she doesn’t like you.  

I see nothing wrong with having a strict teacher if the purpose is to build up the student to be better. That’s how sir was to me. His approach may be to instill fear but it worked in earning my respect. It’s no wonder why despite his notoriety, he is well-loved by his former students.

Through infinity, sir. Rest in Peace.