I remember it just like it was a few minutes ago.  She stood there stern and well-dressed.  When she opened her mouth, one can hear the authority in her voice.  She had a passion for what she did which was to educate.  Mrx. Crawford, my eighth grade English teacher at IS #8, had a phenomenal effect on me which would later change my life.

When you enter this class, on cue, you are to stand and say, "I am Black, and I am proud!"  I thought to myself whis lady must have been reincarnated from the 70's where the Black revolution was prominent. 

She had a profound belief in ensuring students believed that they can and will accomplish any and all tasks that are set before them.  Challenging her students to be all they can be was second nature. 

Just as we got the hang of the procedure, it was announced that Mrs. Crawford was ill.  All I could think about was what, how, and why?  The days and weeks passed.  There was no return of Mrs. Crawford.  All her kings and queens had were the inspirational words that were given to them, and the glimpses of events that occurred in class.

Because of Mrs. Crawford, my interest in English piqued, and I too encourage students to reach their fullest potential without accepting no as an answer!