Margaret Gibson - Teachers Make a Difference - John Allen, Louis Rubin Jr and George Garrett

The speaker reflects on the influence of three teachers during their college years. John Allen's intimidating presence turned into respect, pushing the speaker into creative writing. Louis Ruben provided supportive workshops, confirming the speaker's abilities. George Garrett offered generous guidance, emphasizing commitment to writing. These teachers helped the speaker grow as a writer, instilling confidence and dedication.

What was the main quality that the narrator initially found intimidating but later turned into respect?

• Commitment

• Friendship

• Intimidation

• Generosity

How did the narrator feel about enrolling in the creative writing course initially?

• Excited

• Indifferent

• Reluctant

• Confident

What did Louis Ruben do to support the narrator's writing journey?

• Gave them a scholarship

• Published a chapbook of their work

• Offered financial support

• Introduced them to famous authors

What advice did George Garrett give to the narrator about becoming a poet?

• Write only when inspired

• Focus on publishing quickly

• Commit fully until 30 or until the first book is published

• Avoid criticism

What common trait did the narrator appreciate in all their influential teachers?

• Their strictness

• Their leniency

• Their ability to say the right thing at the right time

• Their focus on grades