Salva Sgarlata

Five years ago I taught psychologoy to my first school's class from Queen Margaret Academy from Ayr. A pupil in that group called Salva Sgarlata made an immediate impression on me. A character, he was mature for his age, a true gentleman, and one of the most respectful youngsters I've ever met. We hit it off right away, and very much enjoyed each others company in the classroom. Sadly Salva had to chuck the course as it became too much on top of everything else he was studying. I tried my best to keep him on board, tutoring him at home, but as happens you lose folk. I thought I would never see him again.

He geve me one of the best lines on psychology I have ever come across. He was asked by a journalist from our local paper, who had come in to get a story on our first school-college initiative why he liked psychology. Salva said 'I like psychologuy because it helps me understand why I am as I am.' I thought that was brilliant, especially from a 17 year old. So much so I used it in my book. Crediting him of course.

Today I got a call from Reception to tell me a young man was in to see me. Guess who it was. Sgarlata himself. He looked brilliant. Tall, articulate, confident, well built Italian-Scot, with so many gifts its scary! I am 48 and he can only be 21 or 22. Though we don't actively seek it, it is the very best of compliments a teacher can receive when someone they taught goes out their way to see you again. It makles your feel so good for all sorts of reasons.

Thank you Salva for making my month. Even better than the Scottish Cup Final result!