Editor:
Too often, we venture through life without expressing our connection with others and sharing our gratitude for their presence in our lives. I am hoping this will inspire young adults who are struggling to find value and purpose in achieving their high school diploma.
My mother, Irene Podetz, raised three children as a single parent in Birch Island. She lost her husband George in a railway accident when I was 10 or 11 years old. I was the oldest of three siblings. Financially, we were not that well off but life in a rural town was ideal. My mother had a lot of support from the community and worked at the Clearwater Library for several years before retiring. My mother has always been a strong supporter in achieving educational goals.
Both my brother, my sister and I pursued post-secondary education degrees after graduating from Clearwater Secondary. I struggled in high school during Grades 8, 9 and 10 but did manage to re-focus and value the purpose of my senior grades.
Although I didn’t realize it at the time, many teachers inspired me to achieve my educational and career goals. These teachers took a personal interest in empowering and motivating me, helping me build the confidence to pursue my aspirations. I was blessed with amazing teachers and administrators who believed in teaching. I am grateful for those teachers who strengthened my character and enhanced my ability to learn. For me, the psychological change in understanding a value and a purpose in education beyond high school is connected to the teachers I had in Grade 11 and 12. Their enthusiasm to teach, the conversations, the compliments, the friendly smiles had the greatest influence in re-shaping my character.
John Harwood joined the Clearwater Secondary school staff when I entered Grade 11. John deserves a great deal of credit for building my character. John was an inspiring and empowering teacher. As an educator, John was a genuine teacher who embraced student values. He had a unique talent to communicate content so that it would inspire learning. His dedication, passion and commitment to teaching had a positive impact. My heart is filled with gratitude and admiration as I was so fortunate for John to cross paths in my journey of life.
This instilled educational learning passion after high school graduation in 1968 lead me to achieve a Mechanical Engineering diploma, a Millwright Red Seal, a Bachelor of Education degree and Master of Education degree. Thinking back on life the pathway to these educational achievements could have been much different if it had not been for the teachers at Clearwater Secondary. Your visionary leadership and belief in sharing your knowledge, passion and commitment, inspired many students.
I became a teacher and taught high school students for more than 25 years. As well, through my administrative work within the Surrey School District, Kwantlen Polytechnical University and Skilled Trades B.C., students have continued to have pathways to achieving their educational goals. My career opportunities have allowed me to enjoy students sharing how I have influenced their life as well.
I have now retired. Reflecting back on my high school years, educational and career achievements much like the teachers at Clearwater Secondary I can appreciate the many successes life has provided.
Thank you, John, and thanks to the Clearwater Secondary school teachers and administrators. Well, done!
Doug Podetz
Editors Note: Podetz is now retried from his last position with Skills Training BC as an Apprenticeship Advisor for Vancouver Island and lives with his wife on acreage near Parksville, B.C.
