After a year of working as a TA, last night was the first meeting of my very own course at UB. God help these kids.
When I meet a new batch of students, I like to ask them to list the three most important historical figures from the period we’ll be studying. It’s a good way of getting them talking, demonstrating that I’m not going to kill them for a goofy answer, and getting a sense of how much they know about the subject. And it’s fun.
By now, I tend to know what the answers will look like. There are the safe answers — Lincoln, Washington — and the more daring ones, like Jay-Z and Oprah. Someone always lists Obama or JFK, which gives me the chance to discuss the difference (or lack thereof) between history and iconography. Students are also really into the Edison/Tesla rivalry, for some reason.
But last night, one answer really surprised me: Landon Donovan. And I had to admit that his goal against Algeria in the World Cup this summer was the best moment of my life.
Of course, that moment wasn’t that important in the scheme of things. There are thousands of more important things that have happened in my life, and lots of things I’ve felt more deeply. But as a moment — 10 seconds of pure emotion — there’s nothing that can top it. Listen to the emotion in Cantor’s voice, how he’s breaking down as he calls Donovan the best American player ever. It still gets a little dusty every time I watch it.
Moments are weird. They let us set reason and perspective aside and imagine that this — whatever “this” is — is the only thing that’s ever mattered in the world.
What are your moments?
