Dear Ms. Crockett,

In 7th grade, your future mentor was my teacher. She spent much of the year disappointed in me. My effort, for her, did not meet my potential. And, she told me. A lot.

She did not hold back.

But, she didn’t know what was happening in my life. She didn’t know my motivation was fading, because my dad was too. She only learned that when he died.

I remembered that your mentor, Mrs. Irving, thought I could be a good writer. I remembered in 8th grade when my teacher thought my writing was too sad. I remembered in 9th grade when my teacher disagreed - quite forcefully - that I had talent. Then, in 10th grade, I met you.

A first year teacher. A basement (and windowless?) classroom. You sensed my creativity and my desire to break rules. You had a fascinating idea: I should learn the rules I wanted to break.

Point. Quote. Explanation.

This is how you taught me to write about literature. You broke it down to the most basic level. I learned how to write an essay. You ensured I had the foundation. I still broke rules, but the departure was grounded in…something.

You taught me that writing is not a magical puzzle. It’s a learnable skill. You taught me that anyone can learn it. Because of that lesson, I helped over 80 DC teens become published authors of over 30 books. I became a published author, too. I told the story of so many young people and the organization that supported them.

Because of you.

And, when my life turned ugly - when I got fired from my life’s work - I had a skill…a vocation. Like a carpenter or plumber - someone whose skill can not be taken from them when everything else can - I was a writer.

When we wanted to start a family, but I didn’t have a job, the things you taught me sustained me (us!). I brought resources to my family by writing profiles. I wrote about endings, beginnings, progress, and problems. The skills you provided me literally gave me the ability to become what I most wanted to be, a father.

I love that you’re obsessed with Andy. One day, he’ll learn why he should be so thankful for you.

Forever my teacher. I’m grateful, my Friend.
Mark