Angela Onwuachi-Willig - Teachers Make a Difference

The speaker reflects on three influential teachers in their life: Carolyn Holman, who taught them about language and the importance of challenging racism; Dean Johnson, an informal mentor who provided guidance and leadership skills; and Kishore Scott, a college professor who inspired them to pursue academia. Each teacher imparted valuable lessons that the speaker applies in their roles as a dean, professor, parent, and individual.

What was the most significant lesson Carolyn Holman taught the narrator?

• The significance of diversity in education

• The importance of grammar and writing

• The responsibility to challenge racism

• The value of literature

What did Carolyn Holman do when students made irrelevant comments?

• Praised their input

• Asked them to relate it to the story

• Encouraged more discussion

• Ignored them

How did Dean Johnson contribute to the narrator's development?

• By mentoring and teaching leadership skills

• By teaching them advanced track techniques

• By providing formal education

• By offering financial support

What did the narrator learn from Dean Johnson about failure?

• To fear it

• To avoid it at all costs

• To grow and learn from it

• To ignore it

What was unique about Kishore Scott's role in the narrator's life?

• She was the first black professor the narrator had

• She was the first to offer mentorship

• She was the first professor to teach sociology

• She was the first to introduce American studies