I have had the great fortune of being under the tutelage of some wonderful educators during my public education years, so it is with great difficulty and guilt that I choose one teacher over all others to thank. Nevertheless I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to Ms. Susannah Tamarkin, my former librarian teacher at Information Technology High School. Her profound influence over my intellect, I believe, has and will continue to have a positive impact on my future.
Ms. Tamarkin was my information literacy instructor in my freshman year, but it was in her senior economics class where, under her constant guidance and prodding, my intellectual awareness was truly elevated to spheres I have never known previously. No teacher during my academic career ever conversed with me on such diverse subjects as Philosophy, Education, Literature, Economics, and Critical Theory, and always with an enthusiasm and energy as infectious as it was inspirational.
In addition, after being so struck by her mastery of research and writing skills, I was inspired to purchase a research and a writing guide to engage myself in that respect also. Thus, not only has Ms. Tamarkin taught me invaluable academic and critical thinking skills, but personal initiative-- both inside and outside of the classroom--in the pursuit of knowledge as well.
Ms. Tamarkin's impact, too great to qualify in 200 words, continues to be important as I begin my college career. Her passion and talent for teaching has made my public education experience memorable and fruitful. To her I am greatly indebted.
-Yutong Chen
Information Technology High School, Class of 2007