As a freshman in high school, I had Mrs. Hinderland for English. She was a fabulous English teacher...difficult and probably a bit "old school". But I can still recite some of the things she taught us (and or nor but for ...) and have actually used a couple of things she taught us in my own classroom (The squirrel ran __________ the tree. a space lot.) She began the first day of every year by practicing fire drill procedures. When the school was new, two weeks after the school opened, a fire broke out. It must have been scary to have a fire in a brand new school, especially because our high school had a very unusual floor plan. I don't think any one was hurt...and the school reopened just a few days later but she made sure her students knew the evacuation procedures in case of a fire. Preparation and safety were important to her, personally and professionally. She felt an obligation to keep us safe...and to teach us the importance of being prepared.
Mrs. Hinderland had a large sign in her classroom that said, "Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching." That sign hung there for years and she would talk about integrity. It made a big impression on me and I've always remembered that sign and her teachings. I've tried to live with integrity.
A few years ago, Mrs. Hinderland passed away. Many classmates shared her obituary and wrote about her influence on their lives. She made a difference. I'm grateful for her.
LESSONS LEARNED: Sometimes a person's words (or even signs/posters) will stay with you for years. (Be careful how you use words!)
Live with integrity. Do the right thing even if you think no one is watching.
Be prepared. D&C 38:30 "...if ye are prepared ye shall not fear."
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