Before I explain one of my most treasured professor-student relationships, I want to take a moment to say that I had COUNTLESS supportive teachers, professors, coaches, and family friends, who have all helped me along the way. It would take years to thank every single person who made even one day more bearable... and I may end up having the time to do that through this blog... so this particular story is one of MANY that I was fortunate enough to experience.
When I switched my focus from athletics to music and psychology for university, my entire future outlook had changed. Like many people, what I wanted to do became something that I could no longer feasibly do, so I clung to a couple of my other passions - music and study.
Safe to say, I was still a little bitter about having to switch my focus, but I went after it all the same.
When I looked at the class schedules and my program guide, I was NOT too keen on taking Music History. I was much more excited for theory, performance, and musicality. History was something I never thought I would enjoy... And I am not sure I would have enjoyed it as much if I hadn't had such an incredible professor.
This professor's name was B. Black, and this class was early mornings twice a week.
Now, one thing to note is that mornings have ALWAYS been my worst time of day. Whenever I had the choice, none of my classes were earlier than 11am because my body would force me to miss those classes more often than not.
So I walked into Music History skeptical, sick, nervous, and not even really interested.
That changed almost immediately.
First off, it is ALWAYS easier to get into a topic when the individual teaching that topic is PASSIONATE about it. If he/she is excited about the material then it can create a sense of excitement in the student as well.
Then, as per usual, I approached this prof after class to let him know about my situation. I had to tell him that I may miss classes and asked if I could tape-record them. I asked if he would prefer me to bring a doctor's note each time I had to miss class and whether he would prefer a phone call or an email regarding my absence.
Not only was he okay with me taping the class, he was IMMEDIATELY supportive. As I came to find out, he went above and beyond for any student who showed an interest in Music History.
Because he was so approachable, so supportive, and so passionate, these classes actually ended up being some of my absolute favorite courses. I could talk to him and email him and have open discussions with him on a variety of topics. And because I respected him so much, I gave that course every little ounce of energy that I had. I still had to miss most classes, and my 'friends' grew tired of recording the classes for me after a few absences (on my tape recorder, which I dropped off and picked up myself for their convenience), so I had to go extra lengths to ensure that I was up to speed on the information.
I would dedicate nearly 10 hours doing research in the library for every single paper that was assigned - no matter how short the paper. I found joy in analyzing music and finding patterns and recognizing the characteristics in the works of several composers. I found myself going above and beyond the required work - due, in part, to this professor going above and beyond his required work.
B. Black is the reason why I loved music history as much as I did.
He is the reason I fell in love with Vivaldi's works and vowed to visit Vivaldi's church in Venice.
He is the reason I wanted to visit Florence and see the Ponte Vecchio which is alluded to in an aria from Gianni Schicchi.
He is the reason why I was able to not only get through that class, but thoroughly enjoy that class.
Now, to many it may have seemed like I was brown-nosing. I would show him pictures from my travels to Europe. I would take on extra credit work. I would ask his opinions and read books and journal articles that he suggested - just for fun! But I wasn't brown-nosing, per se. I had, and still have, an endless amount of respect for him... but that's not even the most important part.
He helped make my life a little bit better. He helped me be stronger. He helped me find passion in a topic I did not think I would love. He showed me that something as simple as kindness and compassion can completely change the tone and direction of someone's life.
He will always be one of my most cherished professors.