Strange Saturday

I went to a math seminar this morning from 9-11 where a former student and now a Phd teacher at West Point in 3D Calculus gave a presentation on "Math The Universal Language". The young lady (Jessica Libertini) is quite bright and her Mom had called and written a letter inviting me to please come. Seems I inspired her to become a mathematician - hmmmmm. I remember Jessica as a learner like no other - totally off the wall and random. At the end of the fun seminar (we did manipulatives - hoo haa I played the whole time) (off the wall and random - hmmm) wouldn't you know it Mrs. Libertini asked me to stand and introduced me and said that at a parent conference in middle school I brought to their attention just how bright and special - and gifted - Jessica was in math, and how they took that very seriously and helped Jessica pursue the career she now has. Wasn't a dry eye in the place - and I got to tell you I was looking for a hole to climb in - really embarassed as they gave me an ovation - all I could say was, "No - thank you - Jessica actually taught me also." Wasn't expecting that.