Today was way too busy. For a brief break and distraction, I peeked at the Friday Five and was unimpressed. I followed the submitter's link and found her original questions. There was one in particular that I wanted to answer.

4. Name a special teacher who inspired you as a child or adolescent.

In the 6th grade, there was Mr. H, one of the most creative teachers I ever had. He introduced me to the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien and John Steinbeck. He was an aspiring writer and would read chapters from his book every now and then. He also helped foster my love of history.

My most vivid memory of his class was Habitat City. For one month, our classroom became a little town. Each student was tasked with making a shop out of a refrigerator box that would go over each desk. Every student had a unique business or function within the town.

There was an elected mayor, an electric company (which controlled the light switch) and a garbage company (the trash can). There was even a toll we had to pay just to enter the classroom.

I remember that my business was the second most successful one. I rented out comic books and View-Master reels. For the record, the tollbooth was the most profitable and successful business in town. The kid whose seat was by the door owned it, which proves again that it's all about location.

I understand that Mr. H is now a professor at a local university. I'm sure he continues to educate and inspire students fortunate to have him.