Alex Yarde was taught by the best. And he remains eternally grateful.
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I’m truly blessed in many aspects of my life. In particular I’m thankful for one of my favorite teachers. I met him in the hospital. Within minutes of his birth, his lessons began. He taught me to be to be a better person. To be gentle, calm and patient. Lessons that I still, unfortunately, grapple with. He showed me practical things. He educated me about the usefulness of always bringing Ziploc bags and changes of clothes (for him and I) on outings. He reminded me to look at the world around me, so that I did not miss the beauty in simple things like the sunlight and shadows filtering through the web of cables on the Brooklyn Bridge as I pushed him across in his stroller. He demonstrated to me the importance of trying things again. The importance of slipping and falling and then enthusiastically and fearlessly getting up and trying it again. I am a stay-at-home dad, and I spend a lot of time with this teacher. He has taught me invaluable things about myself, my limits and my strengths. Incalculable lessons about how to observe and explore the world with fresh eyes and an open heart and curious mind. How to forgive myself and others. Most importantly, my son reminds me that THIS moment is more precious than you think. He prepared me well, so by the time my next professor came along I wasn’t totally caught flat-footed by her extensive syllabus. His sister is tough and grades on a curve. I hope one day to make the honor roll.