A friend of mine died this week. I thought by maybe writing that sentence it would somehow feel more real, but it doesn't. He wasn't an old friend or a really "good" friend necessarily, but because I stopped ranking my friends along time ago, he was still my friend.
When I went back to school to get my teaching license, I had reasons for doing so, but none of them were very profound. Most of them were practical and boring, which made me not so excited to start my teaching career. This was all until I took a class taught by Kipchoge Kirkland. From the very first day in class, Choge inspired me. He hadn't even really started teaching yet and I was already hooked. The first words out of his mouth were a part of his spoken word poetry and those first few lines amazed me. Not only was I amazed by his poetry, but his ability to walk into that room and own the class with his confidence and enthusiasm. It was through this class that I started to find better reasons for becoming a teacher. He inspired me to be a better person and I couldn't wait to get into a class and give my students everything that Choge had given me.
As he had done last year, Choge came to my classes a couple of weeks ago to perform some his poems. He was helping me start my section on spoken word poetry for my advanced drama classes. The kids loved him and felt an instant connection with him, just as I did. There is nothing better than seeing things through your students’ eyes and I loved seeing Choge through theirs. His death was hard for me and telling my students was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do.
I feel like I should do something, stop everything I am doing and just mourn. I feel like I'm not missing him enough, or that I am not upset enough. I still don't believe it entirely I guess. The only thing that is different is that I keep thinking about his death and the only way that it stops is if I busy myself with something else. Choge was a great person, the type that you know you are lucky to have known. I always felt my creative juices get refilled whenever I talked to him. I hope that I can stay inspired by him now that he is gone, but I know it will be hard. I find it hard to believe there are any good reasons for his death; he made everyone around him better. If you want to find out more about him and maybe donate money to a scholarship set up for his son, click here.
Choge...you are missed...thank you for everything.
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3 comments:
Inspiration to us all...
Dr. Kipchoge Neftali Kirkland was my mentor, professor and friend. I to share in your amazement of how he captivated his students with spoken word poetry. He pushed us to think critically and question everything. As a future educator and fan of Choge' I know that it is my turn to step up and advocate social justice and equality in education. In his death Choge' would not want us to mourn rather to celebrate his life and legacy and carry on the work which he began. It is this passing of the torch which motivates me daily as I begin my journey to walk in the footsteps of Dr. Kipchoge Neftali Kirkland, my mentor, professor, and friend.
D-Day
Not to add sadness to sadness, but perhaps it is akin to "blue on black..." I am reminded of the passing of Neill, our sweet, gentle giant. Can you believe it was 10 years ago now? And all too soon, of course, but perhaps in response to a cue not appearing in any of our scripts, *poof* he was gone. Gabe, I am touched by your recent loss - the world's recent loss, it seems. What an amazing individual, your friend and mentor Dr. Kirkland. You are so very right to cherish your opportunites to have crossed paths with him, most particularly in a recurring fashion. Life is all about timing, as I am ever reminded, though the rhythm and pacing rarely reveal themselves in advance. Dammit. Here's to that often wacky, fleetingly beautiful thing we call life... L'chaim!
Dr. Kipchoge Kirkland was - in so many ways- what I still aspire to be, and someday hope to become. He was a great teacher, an incredible role model and a valued friend. He was the kind of man that cared deeply about his fellow man and spoke honestly and openly- with a disarming smile and a personality that took over the even the biggest room. Choge traveled the world and spoke several languages- instead of spending his time in the comfortable halls of the academy, he spent time educating the poor and disadvantaged of the world- from LA to Seattle to London to Soweto. He was an inspired and inspiring artist- honest and powerful- every bit of his work REAL and without apology. He was all of the things that I will forever stuggle to become.
I’m left feeling really empty and discouraged- in a selfish kind of way. I guess all of the questions we all have when we face mortality- the usual “why him?”…
Here’s to you, Choge….may we all aspire to finish the work you’ve begun….
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