The Life of Me: An AutobiographyJohnson, Clarence Edgar
History
The Life of Me: An Autobiography
Johnson, Clarence Edgar
Fisher County (Tex.) -- Biography; Fisher County (Tex.) -- History; Johnson family; Johnson, Clarence Edgar, 1906-1994
One of my dreams when I was 20 years old, was to finish high
school, go to college, and become a school teacher. It was 31
years later that my three children decided it was time for me to
realize that dream. At first I argued against the idea, half-
heartedly, but was pleased when they insisted. And I must admit
that I have thoroughly enjoyed the good life which they have
afforded me, beginning with those first days of college in 1957.
By that time Dennis was a college Senior, Anita was teaching in
college, and Larry was a high school Freshman.
Oh yes, I even enjoyed the struggle during those early college
days, even when it became doubtful that I would make passing
grades in one or two subjects. The challenges encountered there
and afterward have renewed within me the will to work for
something better, and a desire to better understand why I work at
all.
Early in my college days I realized that I must make some changes
in my way of thinking toward others, and my attitude toward some
of my ideals, which I had cultivated since early childhood. I
saw a need for conformity in certain cases, rather than
uncompromising individualism, so long as it didn't interfere with
my integrity. Such a change didn't come easily; I am still
trying, but old habits from the past keep causing me to backslide
at times.
However, I think my greatest change is one that can not be seen
by others--an inner feeling of well-being that tells me, "Don't
worry about your past mistakes. You can not go back and correct
them. And you will make other mistakes tomorrow. Mistakes are a
part of the natural order of human living. Have a good day today
and be content with whatever tomorrow may bring."
I spent three regular school years and three summers in college,
and enjoyed every minute of it. I was on the honor roll half the
time. I also did a little teaching in General Shop in Junior
High Training School. One day when the Professor had to be away,
I even took it upon myself to break one of his rules and allow
the boys to make knives. I told him about it when he returned,
and I told him why I did it. He agreed that it was a good idea.
Then I served one semester as student teacher in a college
machine shop course, ranked highest in my class in economics,
first in woodshop class, second in machine shop, and made "C" in
United States History without having to study it. After all, I
remembered most of it from having lived through so much of it. I
cheated on two exams, just a little, not even enough for my
conscience to bother me, caught two professors cheating on my
exams--cheating in my favor, to help me make passing grades.
During my first two semesters, it seemed that I got very little
help from my teachers. There I was, an old man sitting in class
with a group of 20-year-old boys and girls. It seemed that the
teachers had the idea that I would drop out as soon as the going
got tough, so why should they waste time on me?
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account