A few days ago, I woke up to the news that my former social studies teacher, Bindu Pomeroy, had passed away riding in East Vail. I didn't believe it at first. I didn't want to believe it. My mind immediately drifted to my favorite memory from Vail Ski and Snowboard Academy. Of course, it was in Bindu's class, or should I say not in class at all. It was my first year at the academy and I absolutely loved having him as a teacher. I think I can speak for my entire class when I say he was the coolest teacher we ever had (and probably ever will).
It was an average Wednesday in October, and it began to snow for the first time of the year. Little white dots slowly fell to the grass and we all broke out into huge grins. We rushed from our desks to the window, abandoning our essays to watch the trees disappear under a thin white blanket. I remember the room became loud with cheers and laughter, and Bindu was the smiliest of us all. Any other teacher would have settled us down and we'd be back to our papers within minutes. Not Bindu! Giggling non stop, we ran out of the classroom without even thinking to grab our jackets. And we danced. We twirled and leapt with the snowflakes thanking the snow gods for this gift while praying for more. I couldn't believe we just ditched our school work to dance in the snow, and I remember thinking how amazing Bindu was. We must have stayed outside long enough to be late to our next class, and it was the best school day ever.
During that one snow dance, Bindu taught us the most valuable lessons I've learned from a school teacher. He showed us that sharing our passions and joys makes them even greater. He showed us that snow dances really do work, because that was one hell of a season. Perhaps best of all though, he showed us that the things we love are more important than anything else in the world. I think of him every time I do a snow dance, and I always will. Bindu Pomeroy lived his whole life doing what he loved most, and not many people can say the same. He was so happy, and I know he's happy now shredding endless powder up in heaven. We'll miss you Bindu, thank you for being you. <3