With the curtains closing on my time as a Spartan, I think back on the many good memories I’ve had. One teacher in particular has resonated with me for a number of years. From the first time I met Patrick Reed, something about our personalities clicked immediately. I was a student in his Human Anatomy & Physiology class, and I also was a tennis player during his last year of coaching.

Each and every day, I would look forward to hearing what jokes he had to make, no matter how corny and cringeworthy they were. As the year went on, I found myself talking to Reed nearly every day, both before and after class. Immediately, he stood out to me as a teacher who truly cared about my well-being, his ability to make me laugh, as well as talking to me about things that were stressing me out, added to this feeling. 

When tennis season rolled around, I was excited to learn the sport and to have more opportunities to chat with him. I sucked at tennis. I’m still not great, though Reed laid the foundations for the many improvements I’ve had as a player. I fell in love with the sport, passionately smashing each and every ball into the back fence as my opponent slowly stuck a finger up to let me know what was already obvious: my shot was abhorrently out. Despite my insufficient effort, Reed was there to pick me up and encourage me to keep trying, no matter how tall a mountain it was to climb. 

The following year, I asked if I could be a Teaching Assistant for him. His answer was a resounding yes, giving me yet another semester of time hanging around him. Unfortunately for hopes of having him as a coach again, he chose to support his daughter and be an announcer for girl’s lacrosse which intersects with boy’s tennis. The few moments he could sneak away and come and talk with the team, being the speaker at our senior nights for example, are some of the best parts of spectating teammates. 

Now, in my senior year, I have no classes or a tennis season with Reed, my only chance to talk to him came during passing periods or other miscellaneous interactions. One of my favorite moments from this year was from graduation practice. His speech, as well as Dena Dauve’s, was so kind and wholeheartedly authentic. I was recognized within each, Reed including a segment about me, causing me to realize how we, as students, impact our teachers just as much as they impact us. 

Thank you, Mr. Reed. I appreciate everything you have done for me, and I hope that I may be permitted to join you on your podcast someday.

-Michael Purcell, Staff Reporter