By HAROLD KELLER

I have often said that at times I envy the role that a good teacher plays in the life of his or her students. The positive influence of a good, caring teacher can help to chart the course of a young person’s life.

Last Friday, after visiting a trouble teen-ager at the St. Charles Parish jail, I stopped at Baskin-Robbins for a quick fix (a scoop of pralines and cream in a waffle cone). That extended my streak of 19 days of breaking my New Year’s resolution of staying off of sweets.

The pretty, young girl behind the counter was pleasant, with a friendly spirit as she asked if she could help me. As she began to serve me, I asked, “How is school?” “Great!” she answered, and I could tell that she meant it. “Where do you go to school?” I continued. “East St. John,” she replied. “What grade are you in?” I asked. “I’m a senior,” she replied. I then asked what her plans were for the future. She told me that she wanted to go to college and study pre-veterinary medicine. “So, you want to be a veterinarian?” I said with a smile and jokingly added, “You evidently like animals more than you do people.” She smiled and said, almost defensively, “Yes.”

As she handed me my ice cream cone, I asked her who was her favorite teacher in high school? “Does junior high count?” she asked. “Yes,” I answered. She continued, “In the eighth grade, I had a teacher who taught me Algebra I and French I and III. His name is Mr. Coy Boe.” “What made him so special?” I questioned. “He was that good?” I asked. She answered, “Yes!” I could tell that she enjoyed talking about her classes more than four years ago.

Her name is Kayla Keeley. I’m almost sure that Kayla will reach her goal to be a veterinarian, but I’m positive that she will never forget Mr. Boe.

As I left, feeling guilty about eating that unnecessary ice cream cone, I was blessed with my casual conversation with Kayla. She just confirmed what I’ve said many times. A good teacher produces good, enthusiastic and ambitious students that have all the tools to succeed in life.

I then wondered if the young man I visited at the jail had any positive influence in his life.

HAROLD KELLER writes this column as part of his affiliation with the Get High on Life religious motivational group. Call him at (985) 652-8477 or write to P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084.