Chief Eternal Optimist

I read an article a few years ago about a science teacher in the Bronx named Stephen Ritz. Mr. Ritz worked in a high crime area and taught at a school where the majority of the students lived in poverty – both in terms of money and opportunity. He remarked that it was easier for his students to get their hands on a semi-automatic weapon than a fresh tomato in many of their neighborhoods.

One day, a box of tulip bulbs was gifted to Mr. Ritz and one of his science classes. He attempted to use the bulbs as a teaching opportunity, but the students merely tossed the bulbs around the room and at each others’ heads, ignoring his lesson. Some of the bulbs ended up behind the radiators at the back of the classroom, hidden from sight. A few weeks later, one student noticed something green behind a radiator – and pulled out several growing tulips, forced by the heat and moisture of the leaky radiator. Some of the students were fascinated that the bulbs could grow without being planted, and began to question Mr. Ritz. He had a captive audience! He quickly realized that the students responded to science that was visual and tactile and developed an ambitious plan for a community garden.

Fast forward five years. Thanks to grants, hard-working students and a teacher with an inspiring vision, the community garden was an impressive success. The garden brought science to life, providing educational opportunities in biology, chemistry, maths and nutrition. It even spawned a cooking club for local parents. Some of the produce was sold and some was donated, and students who worked in the garden took home large bags of fresh fruits and veggies every week. The students were more physically active and healthier – Mr. Ritz himself lost a significant amount of weight and his chronic health condition disappeared.

Mr. Ritz said that as the project’s CEO, he was the Chief Eternal Optimist; the person who kept spirits lifted and positive energy focused on forward motion towards success. Despite initial strong opposition from school administration and zero funding, he refused to allow himself and his students to be distracted from their goal. No one believed that these kids would be able to grow their first planter of tomatoes, much less plan, build and cultivate a thriving community garden.

I often think of Mr. Ritz, and how many lives were impacted by his optimistic ambition.