September, 2014

To the students in mysecond semester English classes,

Playwright and Poet Thomas Sterns (T.S.) Eliot once said, “The journey not the arrival matters.” Personally, I believe that journeys are very important. We are all on a journey right now and none of us know exactly where our destination might be. What intrigues me is that everyone’s journey is different. Every person has a story to tell; I want to know yours. These stories will help me connect with the people in my classroom this semester.

My name is Jim Kroll. I will be your teacher for this semester at High School North. This is the beginning of my fourth year here at LCN; although, I’ve been in education much longer. In addition to teaching, I have served as the Managing Director of High School Theatre with South Lyon Community Schools for the past eleven years. And, for two of those years, I was a long-term substitute teacher in various classrooms for an extended length of time at South Lyon High School. I graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 2009 with honors; I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education majoring in the English Language, Literature, and Writing and minoring in History. I come to you each morning from Saint Clair Shores where I reside with my wife, Dr. Charlotte Kroll and our one-year-old Lhasa Apso-Shih Tzu puppy Lucy.

Some of my former students have asked me: “Mr. Kroll, why did you choose to become a teacher?” Each time, I tell them (and I will tell you) that I became a teacher because of Mrs. Ogg, my second grade teacher. It was during fifth grade (as a member of the Safety Patrol) that I witnessed how much compassion Mrs. Ogg had for even the most challenging child in her classroom. Her patience and understanding in the classroom helped me to realize that I wanted to follow in her foot tracks. While I am not an elementary school teacher, I stand before you today because a teacher influenced me.

My family is incredibly important to me. My parents have been married for 34 years this October. Both of my parents are hard workers and have earned every dime deservingly; my mother is an Aflac agent and my father manages a Check ‘n Go. I also have one brother. His name is Kurt, and he is younger than me by three years. My brother is a neat guy; he is an avid golfer and loves hanging out with his friends often. Kurt goes to a local community college and aspires to find a job where he can put his experience in the golf industry to use. My wife Charlotte is also a part of my family; she recently graduated from Dental School and is currently searching for employment in the Metro Detroit area. I am also grateful being able to tell you that my grandparents are still living. My dad’s parents are in their mid-80s and my mom’s dad will be 94 this October. I have learned so much from them and I hope you take the time listening to stories told by elderly members in your family as well.

My childhood story probably parallels your story. I grew up in middle class America. While in elementary school, I played on little league softball teams, took swimming lessons in the summer, went camping with my family, participated in Cub Scouts, looked forward to hearing the music of the Ice Cream man and his truck in our neighborhood, and much more. During middle school, I continued camping with my family, headed up the Yearbook committee at my school, and joined Boy Scouts after completing all the requirements of Cub Scouts. After I finished middle school, our family moved from the suburbs of Detroit to the country. Reflecting back years later on that move, it really was the best thing for our family. I entered high school not knowing a single soul. It was a humbling experience being uprooted from the familiar into the unfamiliar. The move taught me to appreciate the relationships with people that I did have because forming long-lasting friendships take time. However, I did it! In high school, I was involved in choir, drama, National Honor Society and a couple of other clubs. During my senior year of high school, I also completed the requirements of earning the highest rank in Boy Scouting, that of an Eagle Scout. Scouting was an opportunity for me to meet and interact with others while learning skills that will stay with me for a lifetime.

Fourteen years ago thispastFebruary, I also dealt with a challenge to my physical health as a freshman in high school. After my parents consulted with several pediatric orthopedic surgeons, it was determined that I would need to have an operation on my spinal cord. On February 15th, 2000, I underwent a twelve and a half hour surgery to repair my spine from scoliosis and kyphosis; I now have nine titanium rods supporting my spine. Today, I stand before you as a living testament to the miracles of modern medicine. I tell you this personal story about my life because everyone has a story to tell. My story is not any better than yours, but it’s just as important as yours. We live in a society that moves at a faster pace than the day before, and I think it’s important that we continue to share our stories with each other.

I have many interests that keep me busy. I love traveling, shopping, spending time with my family and friends, going to see Broadway musicals, listening to music, helping out in the community and at my church, and learning about new cultures. I also love reading a really good book or going to see a great movie. Over the course of this semester, you’ll realize how passionate I am about these things and I’m sure much more! Often times, I am frustrated by not having enough time in the day to do the things that I enjoy. It bothers and disappoints me when people are rude, when people don’t value listening to what I have to share, and when people don’t put forth effort. I have always believed and you’ll hear this from me often that society will leave you behind if you don’t listen, learn, exert and respect. Each and every day, my mantra is to: Listen. Learn. Exert. Respect. I think that our world could be a better place if everyone took these four words to heart everyday.

English classrooms have a unique opportunity in that we are given an opportunity to explore literature and have discussions about the human condition. We will be sharing some great literature together this semester. I look forward to hearing the unique perspectives you bring to our discussions about it.

I look forward to getting to know you and sharing time with you this semester. Now that I have told you all about myself, you’re going to write a letter back to me. I want to know about you. Tell me about your background, your family, your friends, your travels, your dreams, your fears. What do you love? dislike? Share what you feel comfortable sharing. I expect two pages. You can have this period to write it. If you run out of things to write about, reread my letter, and respond to what I wrote. Tell me about a life defining moment. What are your goals? Hopes? What’s your philosophy? I want to know!

Sincerely,

Mr. J. Kroll

Your English Teacher

P.S. No pressure, but this will be my first introduction to you and your writing!