When I was younger I smiled at old people who skipped through the newspaper just to read the obituaries. Today, I am very glad my mother saw and forwarded this one to me.
Wilhelm Schöngen was my math and physics teacher in high-school. He not only was my favorite teacher for those five years at the “Mat.Nat.”, but also one of the most important influences outside of my own family.
I still remember how disappointed (and upset) he was when I decided to switch to another school with a focus in electronics. I will never forget the last time I met him. This moment has haunted me quite often in all the following years growing up, being a student, employee, or just a human.
I always hoped I could meet him again, just to catch up on how all these years treated us. Every time I was in Mönchengladbach I wanted to visit my old school again and find out if he was still teaching there. But time has always been too short, and I have to confess I was also worried about possibly awkward moments.
I don’t know if he would have remembered me after these years, but I would like to express my sincere gratitude. He was one of the very few teachers and professors I have met in my life who were tough but fair, who not only understood to teach, but also lived and breathed his specialties and managed to share all his passion and excitement, leaving a lasting, unforgettable impression.
Thank you.
