An Enthusiastic Teacher

March is graduation season in Japan. My niece will graduate from elementary school next week. I remember thinking to myself how my elementary school life was. When I was a 6th grade elementary school pupil, our homeroom teacher was a strict, active and competitive woman. She wasn't a new teacher, but it was a new year at that school for her. She was learning Aikido (a Japanese martial art), and we tried to establish a new Aikido Club in School. Unfortunately, our petition was rejected by the school. She had a fervour for education, especially on a local history. She planned a day trip to historical ruins for us, and we were so excited. But her plan came to a deadlock once. Her action became problem in the school and PTA (parents and teachers association), because it was a non-formal field trip on Saturday without guardians, and it was only for one class and those who were interested. But I remember most of us were favourably-disposed toward her. She argued hard against a headmaster saying that she would take all responsibility for protecting students. Eventually, she got reluctant permission. We were very proud of her. Trips were held twice and most of us joined both. We had a picnic meal outside, it was so fun.

One day, she announced that she would get married, and caused a sensation! There's nothing feminine about her. We saw an unexpected side of her. She went to Okinawa on her honeymoon and brought us pineapples as a souvenir. We ate cut pineapple during lunch time. It was very sour!

On our graduation day, she scolded us for chatting and yelling (as usual), and also cried together. After we graduated, we visited her once because she had a baby girl. I still remember her cracking voice. I think she was the best ever teacher in my life. Who is the most memorable teacher for you?