Incredible Moments: Alike Bosses and Teaching Triumphs

The best moments in life are often unexpected, filled with adrenaline, and sometimes filled with a mix of laughter and hard work. In this article, I’ll share two incredible moments from my personal and professional life. One may seem trivial, but both hold a special place in my heart.

A Gameshow Triumph

Oh, this was such a much fun moment. I was on a fabulous gameshow where I experienced a head-to-head round that turned out to be quite exciting. At one point, my opponent was given a question he didn’t know, and he generously passed it over to me.

The Moment of Truth

He asked, 'How many cities that begin with the letter A have hosted the Summer Olympics?' I was invited to explain my thinking by the charming host, Ben Shepherd. With a grin, I confidently said, 'Well, I know Amsterdam, Athens, and Antwerp, and I think Atlanta in the US. I’m not sure on that last one, but I only need to give the number, so I’ll go 4.'

The studio lights up with fluorescent green as I hear the correct answer. Amsterdam, Athens, Antwerp, and Atlanta.

Even more incredible, the three guys on the camera actually applauded. It was a joyous, unexpected moment that turned my participation in the gameshow into a genuine celebration of knowledge and sportsmanship.

A Security Challenge

My employer was the sponsor of the popular television show 'Where in the World is Carmen San Diego.' The show was coming to Atlanta, and we were to host a reception at the Marta Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority Five Points Station. The event was scheduled to be broadcast from this central point in the Marta rail system.

Corporate management was set to host the reception, and we had a security manager and a corporate investigator, both of whom were former law enforcement officers—from state or federal levels—to handle the event. Prior to this day, there was a fanatical fan who had made a violent threat. If the situation hadn’t been handled swiftly, the event could have been exposed, endangering the reputation of both corporate management and the children watching the show.

At the time, there were no easy means of communication like cellphones. Fortunately, I was the next man up at the corporate office and had direct lines to the Atlanta Police Department and was also able to hire off-duty police from the DeKalb County Police Department. We worked tirelessly to mitigate the threat and ensure the event’s safety. Nothing was left to chance.

The Final Showdown

One of the Atlanta officers went to the nut case’s house and cleared the air. He informed the fanatical fan that if he dared to step out during the show, he would be arrested. When the day finally came, everything occurred without a hitch.

Lessons Learned

These moments were more than just isolated incidents. They taught me valuable lessons about preparation, strategy, and the importance of quick thinking. They also reminded me of the unexpected joys of life and how small moments can make a big difference.

For Educators

I’d like to extend an invitation to educators out there. If you’re looking for valuable resources and tips for teaching, check out my teaching tips newsletter. Whether you’re looking for innovative lesson ideas or useful strategies, I’m here to help.

Link to Teaching Tips Newsletter

Conclusion

The essence of life often lies in the moments that challenge us, yet also bring us joy. And sometimes, the best moments are the ones where we use our skills and knowledge to overcome unexpected challenges. Here’s to more incredible moments—both in the classroom and beyond.