Andrew Freeburg

Speeches.  Where minutes fade into an eternity, and rivers of sweat and fear flow.  The modern students’ emotional downfall.  Only legends conquer fear of public speech.  If it weren’t for a shameless, cat-screeching man, I’d be giving red-faced speeches for the rest of my life.  2015 is a new year, and I will never shed another tear, thanks to Mr. Freeburg.
Like most students, the first thing I noticed about Mr. Freeburg was his idiosyncratic getup- an ashen cardigan, beige khakis, and a draconian glare.  A teacher by day, and a murderer by night.  I honestly can say he was the first teacher to ever intimidate me without uttering a single word. 
Mr. Freeburg coerced the entire class before meeting them, which turned out to be his first lesson.  “It takes one-tenth of a second for someone to make a first impression.”  Twenty people including myself wanted to solve the puzzle that was Andrew Freeburg.  How could someone appear so serious, yet be so comical?
Finding out who he was got my attention, but what truly fascinated me were his life lessons and tips.  His goal was to have every student leave his class with the ability to socialize without technology.  That meant looking at other humans and effectively talking to them.  Mr. Freeburg is the only teacher I’ve known that has tried to improve the social lives of students.
I’ve always felt pressured and uncomfortable when executing speeches in other classes, but I don’t feel that way in Mr. Freeburg’s class.  The classroom walls are new, yet familiar, and everybody is attentive and kind.  Mr. Freeburg created the perfect environment for developing confidence.
Mr. Freeburg is always teaching a lesson.  He had me introduce one of my friends to him outside of class.  What I previously thought was just Mr. Freeburg making friends was actually practice. For me.  Making introductions is important for any career, including first impressions.
I may never crack through Mr. Freeburg’s adamantine shell.  I know I won’t, because he only teaches what is necessary.  It’s always interesting to learn about a person as unique as he, but he’s still a teacher.  With that said, Mr. Freeburg only passes on information we need to know, and fills in the cracks with his personal jargon.  I may never come across another teacher who screeches like a cat, and uses a tiny desk to make his students feel more important.  But I’m glad to have met a mentor who values education more than himself.