I’ve been thinking about how to write this since Saturday, so here we go.
As I get older, I find myself thinking more and more about how I became the person I am today. This past weekend, I was able to catch up with my English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher, Mr. Pruitt, who taught me when I first moved to Rochester back in 1990.
For three years, I spent half of every school day at BOCES in his class. I studied alongside students from Korea, India, Vietnam, Mexico, Taiwan, Turkey, Brazil, Colombia, and Ukraine—all from across Monroe County. Most of us spoke little to no English, but somehow, he managed to teach us the language and, more importantly, how to navigate this "new-to-us" world.
The ESL classroom was more than just a learning space; it was a sanctuary. It was the one place where I wasn’t viewed as "the kid who doesn't speak English"—a place where I could speak freely without worrying about my pronunciation. Being in that giant melting pot of a classroom provided a deep sense of security and comfort; it was a place where a difference in skin color was simply the norm.
Some of my most vivid memories include:
Music and Movies: He showed us Back to the Future, which introduced me to "Johnny B. Goode" and gave me my first taste of classic Rock N’ Roll.
Culture Gaps: Whenever I didn’t understand a sport in gym class, he was my go-to person. He explained the mysteries of why a football isn’t round and why a softball isn't actually soft.
The Start of Skiing: I actually started skiing because of him. To join the ski club, I had to submit an application at a community building in the village that wasn't part of the school. He was kind enough to give me a ride there and drive me home afterward.
As I approach 50 in less than two years, I am really starting to understand how a small action or a kind gesture can have a lifelong impact on someone’s life. As I told my sister (who also had him as a teacher and wholeheartedly agrees), Mr. Pruitt is one of the kindest men in the world.
Thank you, Mr. Pruitt, for the impact you made on me. It was my privilege to buy you a cup of coffee this past weekend, but I know I still need to cook you a proper meal as a real thank you. We need to get together again soon.
The moral of the story is: be kind to others. At worst, they may not notice, but at best, it will enrich someone’s life like compound interest.
And thank you to all the ESL teachers out there!
