In high school, it’s nice to know that someone is on your side. Reporter Guy Raz felt that way about his former high school guidance counselor. In this radio story, Guy sits down with his counselor Walter after twenty years, and thanks him for keeping his door open and always listening. From Walter, Guy learned important life lessons about power and respect that he still remembers today. Listen to hear this former guidance counselor and student reminisce about stories from high school.
Story Length: 4:15
© 2016 National Public Radio, Inc. Used with the permission of NPR. All rights reserved.
AIR DATE: 11/24/2011
May 21, 2016
2:00
A former high school English teacher sits down with a former student. Like many students at his high school, he never graduated. Now, his teacher asks him why. They discuss how he could have better supported his students and what they needed. The student explains that despite his kind efforts, school was always difficult for him. Listen to their conversation to hear more about the challenges of both the teacher and student.
Read MoreMay 15, 2016
2:54
Yusor Abu Salha was killed in the tragic 2015 shooting in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. A year before, she had recorded an interview with her former third grade teacher and principal, Mussarut Jabeen. During their conversation, Yusor remembers Jabeen’s important lessons about how to treat others, while Jabeen remembers Yusor’s giving nature. Jabeen also knew the two other shooting victims, and remembers them fondly as well. Listen to the story to hear both Yusor and Jabeen reflect on the past.
Read MoreMay 8, 2016
4:35
At some point in our lives, most of us have a tough teacher who pushes us hard to do our best. Reporter and All Things Considered Host Audie Cornish remembers her teacher of history and current events, was just that kind of teacher. Her strict teaching style clearly benefited Audie, who looks back fondly on all that she learned from her. Listen to this recent conversation between Audie and her former teacher, in which they reminisce together about their experiences as teacher and student.
Read MoreMay 5, 2016
6:54
In honor of Teacher Appreciation Day, listen to this story about Kobe Bryant’s high school English teacher. Throughout the years, Jeanne Mastriano had a profound influence on the basketball star; in fact, he has even called her his “muse.” Mrs. Mastriano talks about Kobe’s old study habits, his high school passions, and a recent poem he wrote about retiring from basketball. Listen to hear more about how this high school teacher has made a positive and lasting impact on Kobe and many other students.
Read More
