TRIBUTE TO MY COACH

To this day, I vividly remember the challenge you had proposed to the class in gym. Everyone moaned and groaned and said they can never do it. It was impossible. The teacher must be nuts according to some students.

I looked at the professor and thought she looked incredibly frail, weak and very pale. She was severely anorexic looking and her hair was thinning, stringy and greasy. Somehow her appearance wasn't quite right. I couldn't put my finger on it but she didn't look well or healthy. I tried to shake off the feelings that kept haunting me. She had these piercing eyes that just looked at you with such sadness and defeat.

It must be possible because why would the professor propose something if it wasn't possible. That doesn't make any sense at all.

I decided I wanted that A. I teamed up with another classmate and we trained everyday after classes. The challenge was scheduled at the end of the semester so we had time.

I vigorously trained everyday whether or not my friend was there or not. I took it very seriously. In the beginning, it was damn hard. I thought I was going to pass out from running 1/4 mile. So I started to walk slowly around the track 5xs. Then I gradually walked three laps and ran 2 laps.

Slowly, I picked up my pace but I knew my limits. I didn't want to over exert my body particularly my legs. I learned how to breathe the proper way so that I don't get out of breath. It was the spring semester, so the weather was sunny and it felt good.

The day finally came, it was time to take our test. I tried not to think about the time but to just run as fast as I can. I know from training that I ran a mile a little under 6 minutes. So I knew that I can do it! But now I have to prove to the professor that I have met her challenge.

When she said, "On your mark, get set, GO!" I ran like someone was after me trying to beat me up. I came in a little under 6 minutes. I was estatic, relieved and very tired. I was ambivalent that it was over. I felt victory but at the same time I felt a deep sadness. I didn't know why I felt that way.

My professor congratulated my friend and I for making the grade. She told us that she knew that we can do it. She was glad we didn't listen to the naysayers. We did our best and ultimately that is what counts.

Shortly, after the class ended. I went back to the physical education class and looked for my professor to say hello. The staff looked despondent and didn't answer me when I asked for the professor by name.

I thought maybe they didn't hear me orwas just busy. I asked again where I can find her to say hello. Finally, someone broke the silence and told me she passed away shortly after classes ended. They told me that she had terminal cancer and she was hanging on for her dear life to see us accomplish our goal of getting an A.

I was so speechless, I didn't know what to say. That was the first time, I felt a deep loss and profound sadness. I think I knew deep in my heart that she wasn't healthy and not well. But I didn't think it was terminal.

Professor X is incredibly brave and courageous. I admire her determination to fight the pain and suffering to coach her class. She is a remarkable woman and I will never forget her perseverance.