All of my school life, I was an enthusiastic and bright student. I loved and respected my teachers, and felt respected and cared for by them as well. I was never a discipline problem at school and could hardly imagine having to be punished by a teacher. However, one day, that all changed.

Junior high was a particularly difficult time for me after my parents’ nasty divorce. Several of my teachers noted a change in my behaviour and attitude toward school and fortunately for my future well being, some of them took matters into their own hands when necessary. I found myself on the business end of a school paddle on more than one occasion. One incident involved a very motherly but strict physical education teacher, who did not hesitate to apply much-needed correction as and when necessary.

During a particularly rousing game of flag football, I made a mistake that cost my team a goal. I had a rather short fuse in those days and did not deal with my own shortcomings very well. I threw the football to the ground while letting loose a string of cursing that even astounded me.