3 Answers

Mr. Kemper, he threatened my safety by lifting me off the ground by my shirt.  It was to motivate me to apply to at least one college!  When I told him that I could not afford to go to college, he went off on me.  He explained that he didn't have shoes until he went to grade school, as he was from Appalachia, and they were very poor.  He went on to say that he would not get off my back unless I filled at least one application and take it to the Guidance office.  When I did so, again fearing for my well being, there was an envelope with my name on it, enclosed was his personal check for the $15 application fee.  Coming up with the money would have been a hardship for my family, as we were very poor (divorced mom, with 6 kids).  After completing the first year of college, I returned to visit Mr. Kemper, to find that he had passed away from cancer.  I  think that I became a teacher to honor his memory, in a way...