Dear Editor,
I just learnt of the sad passing of Ms. Esther Rawlins and ask that you publish this short recollection and tribute to a dedicated teacher. I am disappointed at not being able to attend her funeral because I was not aware that she had died. I trust that my Alma Mater will organize a special assembly to commemorate her life and immense contribution to the Languages Department. I entered Queen’s College in 1973, and in September of that year, prior to the advent of co-education, commenced Español classes by none other than Esther Rawlins. She wore a “small” Afro hair style, which was very much in vogue in those years among young persons of African descent, and my first impression when she spoke was that she must have studied in the United States of America. I give her full credit for bringing the Spanish language alive, with her style of teaching, we were never bored and I am convinced that whatever little Spanish I absorbed is largely due to her gentle but firm persuasion that it would be important for us to be able at least to converse in Spanish. Today, with the advent of thousands of Venezuelan refugees, her admonition has come to pass.
One of the most memorable things for me about Ms. .Rawlins though, had nothing to do with the teaching of Spanish but the fact that she had an appreciation for the importance of sport and one day she abruptly announced that it would be desirable to have inter-class cricket matches be arranged. I was nominated Captain of 1C and we were to play cricket games against the other first form classes she taught – 1B and 1D. As I recalled, these matches were played on the Middle Pitch of the three pitches at the QC ground. Our class was victorious against both of these classes but what was important and interesting is that Ms. Rawlins watched both of these encounters with great intent and participated in cheering good batting, bowling and fielding as appropriate. After these two victories she promptly advised me that it would be a good idea for us to play against her 2nd Form students, unfortunately due to the ongoing Under 16 and Wight Cup Cricket fixtures on the ground these matches never materialized.
Editor, I thank Ms. Rawlins (hope she reads this wherever she maybe) on behalf of myself and fellow team members for facilitating us to use our energies constructively in sporting endeavours where we learned to handle rivalries, success and failures accordingly. These simple matches ignited a strong interest in cricket and I would subsequently go on to represent Queen’s College in the Under 16 competitions as well as to play for our Wight Cup team. May her good name and work be remembered for a long time to come and serve as an inspiration for all! Bravo Senorita! Hasta Luego!
Sincerely,
Christopher Persaud
Class of 73