Chapter 1: A Writer's Block Breakthrough

In a recent bout of writer's block, I felt a strange urge to express myself through writing. To ignite my creativity, I reached out to friends and followers for topic suggestions. The guidelines I shared were straightforward:

1. The piece would aim for a minimum of 1,000 words and would eventually find its home on Medium and my personal site (noahwatry.com) once it's back up.
2. Nominations could not involve anyone we both know personally (no family or close friends). However, you could suggest yourself or a public figure.
3. Topics must steer clear of religious or political themes, as I prefer to avoid creating divisions among my circle.
4. The subject should be something new; if you’re curious about my poker experiences or views on funeral services, feel free to check out my book, Life and Poker by Noah Watry, available on Amazon, or my earlier articles on Medium.
5. Let’s get creative! This is your chance to read about what intrigues you, and I’ll personalize it as much as I can.

Reflecting on my childhood aspirations, I once dreamed of becoming a paleontologist or an NBA player. While neither came to fruition, I’ve embraced paths that resonate with my true self. I've become a writer, a funeral director, and a source of hope for others.

As I matured from a dream-filled child to a goal-oriented adult, my admiration shifted towards various role models. In high school, I found myself looking up to my teachers. Although I often came off as a class clown, I genuinely respected their authority and approach to education. It’s amusing how some classmates still recall my antics from two decades ago—time to move on, right?

“People don’t forget.”

While some focus on trivial past events, I choose to remember the invaluable lessons I've learned. My aspirations evolved alongside my experiences, leading me to desire more than the comic relief I often provided in class. Surprisingly, I once envisioned becoming a teacher myself—a dream that lingers even now.

My passion for literature and writing was evident from an early age. Whether it was jotting down thoughts, crafting comics or short stories, or writing heartfelt notes, I reveled in creative expression. I often devoured books, completing assignments that called for a single chapter, only to read half the book overnight.

However, my academic journey wasn't without its hurdles. I occasionally fell into periods of sadness, neglecting my studies for weeks. Yet when I did engage with English, Writing, or Art, I excelled. History intrigued me too, though I struggled with specifics—dates and names often eluded me.

I admired my high school teachers for their ability to command attention, particularly when managing students like me. Contrary to the saying, "Those who cannot do, teach," I believe it's more accurate to say, "Those who can, teach." Why wouldn’t you want to recognize and nurture potential in others? When I see talent in someone, I strive to support and encourage them, just as a dedicated teacher would.

My favorite educators were my English and Physics teachers. Although I found science fascinating, I struggled with it academically. I appreciated my science teacher’s quirky humor, reminiscent of dad jokes, and his determination not to give up on me, even when my grades took a nosedive in senior year.

In college, I faced significant challenges in science, feeling like I was plummeting without a safety net. My teacher responded by assigning me detention daily—a mutual understanding of our situation. During these sessions, he took the time to help me grasp the coursework. Though I acted foolishly back then, I eventually learned the hard way, with my teachers' unwavering support.

My English instructors pushed me to enhance my creativity, while my science teacher ensured I understood the material necessary to pass. I am grateful for their commitment and often wish I could return to school to relearn everything.

For those curious about the books that shaped my high school experience, here are my top five favorites:

1. The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
2. 1984 by George Orwell
3. Rumble Fish by S.E. Hinton
4. Odyssey by Homer
5. Sonnets by William Shakespeare

This eclectic list mirrors my diverse interests in literature and life itself—I'm drawn to anything that piques my curiosity.

Presently, I delve into different genres—self-help, stoicism, business literature, and autobiographies—all of which have expanded my worldview. Few things bring me greater joy than losing myself in a good book. This passion has become a hallmark of my identity, often highlighted in my social media bios as a tribute to my teachers.

I read. I write. I create.

Chapter 2: The Value of Teaching

In this chapter, we explore the profound impact of teaching on personal development and the misleading stereotypes surrounding it.

Video Description: In this video, we examine the idiomatic expression "Nothing could be further from the truth," delving into how it applies to the misconceptions about teaching.

Video Description: This video discusses the myth that "Those who can do, and those who can't, teach," highlighting the true value of educators in shaping futures.