“It’s entirely reasonable to hunger for the intimacy of quiet conversation at night without starving from its absence; it’s possible to become more aware of the emptiness of one aspect of life while filling others; it’s possible to feel deep loneliness without despairing about it.” - Don Pogreba
Po was probably one of the most influential teachers of my life as a student; he was just exceptional with what he did. He was a true educator, and the embodiment of what a true educator should be. I’m extremely torn by his sudden absence.
I struggled with the rigorousness of his class a lot of the time, even last year, whether it be due to its content-heaviness or weighty workload. But he always gave me leeway and never talked me down once. He was positive and encouraging, critically honest, and faithful in my potential, never discouraging as an advisor---as someone I admired. I know he was closer to a specific handful of students, especially his debaters to which he mentored significantly, but his influence on me was still incredibly impactful. I guess I came to my school last year as a kind of tabula rasa, or “blank slate,” and I can’t put into words all I cumulatively took from his teachings, how much my slate has been furnished by this knowledge. It meant a lot to me, those few times, to hear he was proud of me, even though they were moments of simplicity and possibly meager in the face of both our bigger, more extensive lives. And I also appreciated when he took the time to sit me down and help me at my lowest, when I was struggling to keep up. And it did help. Greatly.
If anyone who even possibly reads this is somehow hungry for some quality writing by the best writer I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing in person, check out Po’s blog: the quixotic pilgrim. There are also some extraordinary photographs of his travels around the world.
Po is technically an educator to all, in a sense---his academic website is a place where you can really learn anything of the humanities and it’s all the same content from his real courses. It’s an incredible resource--and free to everyone (as education should be). Check out the quixotic pedagogue if you’re curious.
I honestly can’t thank him enough, for everything. He deserves a healthy recovery. Always made someone laugh every day---at least I can account for that. I’ll probably always envy his wits, his cleverness, and oddly incredible memory. And I, along with everyone else who knew him here, will miss him. I’m working on improving my C+ in Government class at the moment...kind of stressing.
Wishing him all the best.
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