Thanks Coach

I called him “Coach” although that wasn’t his name. I’m really not sure why I called him that because he wasn’t a coach. He was an English teacher – my English teacher. I have to admit he was a little odd at times, but he taught me something that has stayed with me my whole life.

Like most teenagers I had a hard time figuring out what was right and wrong, whom I should consider as friends, what I was going to do with my life, etc. Coach just kept telling me, “To thine own self be true.” He could fit that into short 30-second interactions or long 30-minute conversations. He taught me some English that year, but more than anything else he taught me how to live my life in a way that would allow me to find freedom and confidence. “To thine own self be true.”

Please don’t judge me too harshly when I tell you that it took me a few years to realize that he was actually quoting Shakespeare. (Hamlet, Act 1, Scene 3). This year marks 30 years since I graduated from high school, and to this day I often hear Coach telling me, “Crowder, to thine own self be true.”

When I am wise enough to heed The Bard’s advice, I find freedom, confidence, and strength. Even when things are difficult I can look myself in the mirror without shame and then begin my day with courage.

Thanks Coach!