I've had many teachers influence me greatly over the past few years, but if you asked me to choose just one right now, I'd have to say Mr. Paul Pirro, seventh and eighth grade English teacher at P.S. 122 Queens.
Anyone who had Mr. Pirro knows that he was a teacher who not only taught his specific subject matter, but also taught us how to use that information in life. He taught us to think about the characters in the books we read, not just read about them. He was a very practical person, so we learned how to use our common sense from him. He treated us like adults so that we could learn to act like adults. He was also very creative, posting famous quotes and student-produced artwork around the classroom, and covering the entire door with greeting cards during the holiday season. He was always witty, having a funny response for any situation, and he always wore these great ties. We liked Mr. Pirro because he was traditional, yet out-of-the-ordinary, and because he was, well, cool.
His assignments probably weren't much to some people, but one writing assignment in particular proved to me that I really did have a passion for writing, and because of Mr. Pirro, I've pursued that interest through high school, and will continue to do so in the future.
Thank you so much Mr. Pirro!
-Nadia Ahmad
Academy at P.S. 122Q, Class of 2004
Townsend Harris High School, Class of 2008