While I have a terrible memory for names, I still remember two of my first students from 21 years ago. Their names were Allan and Selvin (last names omitted to protect their privacy). Even at 15, they were exceptional students. In every class, one would be the top student and the other would be a fraction of a point behind in a friendly rivalry. They defied all sorts of stereotypes - small town students from Alabama who were ready for college at 15, and who also happened to be black. I joked with my wife that we should adopt them.

Over the years, I've often wondered what became of them. Recently, I turned to Google and found Allan. He's now a Thoracic Surgeon at the University of Michigan Medical School. If my wife or I needed Thoracic surgery, I would wish Allan could be the one to operate on us. I trust him that much.

Through Allan, I've established contact with Selvin, who is now an engineer.

Both have done well in life, but that's hardly a surprise if you'd known them back then. I wish I could claim some credit in how they turned out, but that simply wouldn't be true. They were well on their way when I came to know them.