Page 204 - PINE CREST 2000

A A / j o f o 7 i AAr. S cssm & n

What is tall and skinny, has blonde hair, a mole over its mouth, and is in Mr. Sessman’s office? If
you guessed a life-sized Marilyn Monroe cut out, you’re right. Perhaps one of most interesting rooms on
campus, it also features semmingly countless mugs bearing various college names, a chess set, the scent
of Plol cologne eminating through the air, and wind chimes that ring when the window is open. The plush
chair behind the desk that is filled with papers and college recs to be done is decidedly the best place to
take a make-up test. But Mr Sessman's office is only one aspect of the unconventional persona that
makes him one of the greatest teachers at Pine Crest.
I have never met a man so genuine, honest, and kind. 1 remember the first day of my AP American
Government and Politics class and the indroduction he gave to the course. Mr. Sessman spent at least ten
minutes discussing why honesty was so important in his classroom, “because how can I have a good rela­
tionship with someone I cannot trust?” His passion about teaching makes his classroom a the perfect
environment. It is truly rare to come across a teacher who loves the material s/he teaches and the actual
process of communicating that knowledge to teenagers. Many wonder how Mr. Sessman could have actu­
ally taught AP History and Government at “those public schools.” One need not look further than the fact
it was Mr. Sessman teaching the classes. Give him a room of obnoxious juniors and seniors and he will have
all of them engaged in the learning process within minutes. By reading passages from books, asking ques­
tions, seminar style discussions, and the occasional lecture, Mr. Sessman edifies his class about govern­
m ent.
Edward Koch, the former mayor of New York City, once said, “What you see depends on where you
sit." From an outsider’s perspective, our government class might not even appear to be a class; however,
if the ousuder were to take a seat behind one of the desks in 1-205, that perspective would certainly
change. While sitting in those chairs, I have learned the basics of government: federalism, seperation of
powers, block grants, PAC’s, campaigning, the media, and political ideology. More importantly, I have
learned what it takes to be an informed citizen. The irony lies in the fact that to be informed one need not
know every bill passed in congress or even every amendment to the Constitution. Rather, one needs to
engage in meaningful debate about society and political campaigns. One needs to know about the impact
the Federalist Papers had upon the founding of America. One needs to know about the Democratic and
Republican primaries—not just the main election. Above all, one needs to be in Mr Sessman’s classes. It is
no surprise to me that Mr. Sessman’s favorite quotation is Mr. Kock’s aforementioned insight. Fike every
unique and astute person, Mr. Sessman knows the true meaning of education.

Ariticle Contributed by Katie Mateer