After pre-school, elementary, Jr. High, High School, an Undergraduate Degree in English and a Master's Degree in Information Science, I've had a lot of teachers. I remember lots of faces, fewer names, and even fewer actual lessons that they taught me. I remember the occasional bad grade or rebuke much better. But there is one teacher I've never forgotten. I've been in touch with him ever since I took his American Government class as a sophomore in High School, because I can't imagine life without him in it. Talk about an impact! It's been nearly 20 years since I sat in that desk behind...well, see, I can't even remember who I sat behind. "A life without curiosity and questions is no life at all." That was one of the first things Mr. Weeks ever said to me. And the question he had us return to over and over was this: "What is an ideal American? Is there such a thing?" I revisit the question every year at this time, for the same reason I re-read books that affect me: because I've become a different person. I am now made of additional experiences, memories, failures, opinions, and perceptions. As I become a new person, the books become new books to me. As I become a new person, the country I love changes and shifts as well. The question "What is an ideal American?" changes for me, requiring fresh eyes and an inquisitive willingness. This year, this is the question I keep hearing behind the question: Is the ideal American a follower or a leader? My answer is both, and that is why I love America. I love America because I am allowed to ask these questions. I can be the dissenting voice or the ardent patriot. Sometimes I can be both simultaneously, depending on what the issues are. I can lead and follow and the choice is up to me. I love America because Mr. Weeks loves America. This country earned his respect and he taught me in a way that eliminated my capacity for apathy and political indifference. I think he was on to something.
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Josh Hanagarne is the World's Strongest Librarian and the author of The Knot. Please subscribe to his RSS Updates to stay in touch.