Sunday, April 4, 2010

"Just as the twig is bent, the tree's inclined." (Alexander Pope)

.....The following is a comment I received back in December from a former student of mine, and published belatedly in the comment section of yesterday's blog. I'm publishing it here because what follows is a great story about this student's career.....and if he was 17 or so when he graduated in 1960, he must be on Social Security and Medicare by now!
Alan Levine said...

Please continue writing the blog every day or so. I believe it is good for most of us, especially those who had the luck and pleasure of knowing and learning from you at NSHS.
The blog is a way we can continue to learn from you. You continue to be a mentor! NSHS '60

.....and the following is a comment from my colleague who knows what happened to all of my former students and athletes:


Phil B. has left a new comment on your post "Reminiscences in the rear view mirror.":

.....Back in the day, Alan Levine was a distinguished right wing on the soccer team.
.....In those days, year and year year out, North Shore (and Sea Cliff before that) were arguably the best soccer team on Long Island.

.....As a freshman he Alan set a long jump record of 19 feet, good enough to win almost all varsity dual meets. For some reason, he never jumped further.
.....Alan is a very successful adult. After becoming a medical doctor, he added to his skill set (not necessarily in order of importance) by becoming a psychiatrist; a husband with a truly lovely wife; a fly fisherman, a tennis player, and a good father.....Unfortunately for some of us, but not Alan, he lives in Colorado.

.....Like so many of us, Alan has been positively influenced by Doc Ross, and is good enough to publicly witness same. That is the immortal Baron's legacy. Let's raise our glasses on high to the two Docs--Ross and Levine.

.....When I hear of success stories like Alan's I like to share it with anyone who reads this blog because if left in the comments it is usually only read by me. As his former teacher I certainly do not want to take credit for his success, but as a teacher it is gratifying to hear that a former student has lead a good life--and a successful one. Strangely enough, I don't remember any of my high school teachers. If I did, I'd let them know what has happened to me, and in case you don't know it, I am also on Social Security and Medicare.



Posted by at

3 comments:

  1. Phil B.April 4, 2010 at 12:29 PM

    Slightly modified, one of the Baron's most enduring standards for leading a good life is his oft-repeated quote, insisting that his students maintain "....ruthless standards of personal excellence."

    That sums up the secret to success, which Polonius characterized as, "To thine own self be true."

    Since the Doc would never be caught dead behind an arras (or any other tapestry), he is certainly superior to Polonius.

    Let us appreciate the good people while they can still hear us and while we can still hear ourselves.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Phil B.April 5, 2010 at 12:40 AM

    The Baron, as usual, is far too modest. Not only did he talk the talk, he walked the walk, even ran it when necessary.

    Hero, athlete, coach, scholar, father, husband, and friend--he is a true Renaissance Man. He bore his fardels and farfels with equal aplomb.

    ReplyDelete
  3. JoelApril 5, 2010 at 3:33 PM

    Here is a plumb of a summary: Fardels bare of farfels are unfair fardels to bear.

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)