Letter from a Former "Mathlete" (MathCounts competitor)

 Dear Mrs. Mariner, 

Hope you've been doing well!  I recently finished your short stories from Backward and Blind, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading all your teaching adventures!  Part of me wishes I heard more of these stories in middle and high school, but perhaps I wouldn't have been mature enough to appreciate them. 

One of my favorites was the feminism debate story.  I felt inspired by how you were a role model not only in the classroom, but also just in the world as a well informed citizen.  I can only imagine how impactful this leadership was for your students then, where gender discrimination still pervaded the atmosphere.  I also enjoyed the stories about the swim meet and leg hairs and the poisonous plant, and I smiled seeing Pascal's triangle make yet another appearance in my life. 

Understanding how you made an impact on your students' education (and beyond) made me grateful for your coaching MathCounts.  Maybe I already had some motivation from (my older brother), but those Day 7 morning practices set a routine that ultimately set us up for success ("Most Improved State"!)  Thanks for also  keeping us rambunctious teenagers in check at Disney World!

I appreciate all you've done for me and my peers; I'm not sure if I'd be where I am today without your help. 

Best, 

.... 

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