Jessica and I finally went and saw The King’s Speech and it was just as fantastic as everyone says it is. Colin Firth is unreal and the Harry Potter-cast reunion going on in the film was a nice surprise. After leaving the film, we immediately began talking about Mr. Eden, our high school journalism teacher. And I’m completely sure it’s because Lionel Logue in the film (played by Geoffrey Rush) is to King George VI (Firth) as Mr. Eden is to Jessica and I and any other soul who has ever had him for a teacher.
I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for Mr. Eden. I’m a 100% sure of that. He’s the reason I began my journalism major, which led to my journalism career. He’s the reason I didn’t waste thousands of my parents’ dollars figuring out what my major would be, seeing as every morning when I woke up in high school I wanted to be a zoologist, a nurse, a history teacher, a safari guide, a movie star, a Broadway Producer, a food critic or a lifetime sleeper. He’s the reason I’m a follower of John Wooden philosophy. He’s the reason I developed a passion for college basketball (though we’re rivals these days). He’s the reason I know how to do PhotoShop, Illustrator and InDesign (skills which have proven to make be a cut above the rest). He’s the reason I know you can enjoy your life, your work and still have a fantastic family. He’s the reason I know somewhere out there, someone will let you name your child after a sports facility (If I have kids, I’m totally naming one Oliver after my dorm in college. And then Quinton after our favorite spot on the town).
Reminiscing about good ole Chad “Mitch” Eden with Jessica outside on Michigan Ave. while we waited for a bus, made me extremely thankful for the man. I mean, we knew how kick ass he truly was in school and how lucky and fortunate we were to be in his graces, but today, getting in Twitter wars with him over college basketball and the Navajo sweater we bought from “Eden-Bay” for a ridiculous amount of money is so nice and reassuring. Even after nearly 7 years, he’s still in our lives watching and guiding us on our quest for greatness. Even if it is in just 140-characters.
Hanna (Non)Tana 