My Hero

Today I got an email from Mimi saying that there was a facebook page that honored my grandfather- Papa Doug. My first thought was, "That's funny, I wonder if Papa even knows what facebook is?" I decided to go to the group today and read some of the wall post. After an hour and a few tears, I must say I am so touched. I always knew that Papa Doug was special. Yet, after reading the stories about Mr. Bradham Day's and true impact he made on his students I am so proud to be his granddaughter. Like I said before, I have always known that Papa Doug was special. Ever since I could remember people have come up to me and told me stories about Mr. Bradham Day or how he touched their lives in some way. I distinctly remember I was a sophomore in high school and a substitute seeing "Carolyn Bradham" on the role. She pulled me aside and told me how much my grandfather meant to her and how she was having family problems as a child and he took her under his wing. Last year Kenny Perry, the head football coach at Bowie, came up to me and told me that he thinks of my grandfather every football season. He said, "I think about the impact that he made on me and principles that he taught me as a child. I try to teach my players the same ideals."



After reflecting on the stories as an adult I can only be in awe- what an amazing person. As a teacher, I think to myself, "How can I make that difference in my students lives" and "How can I be there for my students the same way he was for his?" Sometimes I get so wrapped up in the daily grind it's hard to focus on anything.

What was it that made him so great? I think about my principals as a child. To be honest, I can't even remember my elementary principal's names. I think what made him so great was not Mr. Bradham Day, not the ice cream sandwich or cokes, and not him allowing the students to say the pledge over the announcements. I think it was the simple fact that he paid attention. He knew his students' name, he knew their parents, he knew what sports they played, and he noticed when a student was acting different. He took the time out of the day to have eraser relays or counsel the student who's parents were going through a divorce. Who can honestly say that their teacher, let alone, their principal noticed these things? He did; he noticed.


I want to be just like him. I want to teach my students morals. I want to make an impact. I want my students to think back and say "Mrs. Peterson taught me so many life lessons." I want to make a difference.

He is undoubtedly my hero.