You struck fear in the thoughts of would-be students, but only in an effort to stir the mind and inspire the heart.

You imposed strict discipline within and around the four corners of the classroom, but only to prepare your children for the harsh realities of life that lay beyond graduation.

You pushed, shoved and forced your students to perform even when it meant doing away with sugarcoated pills and honey-glazed syringes.

Even when it started to hurt.

Even when it seemed unfair to some of us who failed to realize.

But you were the real deal.

You embodied everything a mentor should be: a motivator, mother, teacher and friend.

You made us proud to have been part of your system.

And deep inside, we do hope that we did you proud as well.

Thank you, Ma’am Julian. We shall meet again on the other side. Until then, you will remain fondly remembered, revered and loved.

Yours truly,

cTHiScience ∞