“The Power of Tina”

Although it has been more than a year since my friend and mentor Tina Lane went home to Heaven, I recently stubbled upon a tribute from one of her former students. This entry was a reply to his blog.

Hi Jeff- I just came across your website via a present student of mine who knew that I knew Tina. I was a co worker of Tina’s a West Essex from 1999- 2002. We became friends, we became confidants, but more importantly she became a powerful mentor both professionally and personally.

I was the very lucky one who was given the gift of not only her friendship, but also the gift of teaching the class she wrote and created, “Write to Speak.” Because of Tina, I not only have become a better writer, a better teacher, a better public speaker, but also a better person.

I presently teach high school in Bergen County and I carry Tina with me daily. In my classes, I also use many of her mantras such as: “Maximize content, minimize words”, “You will put your name on that?!” and my favorite, “Contractions are only for pregnant women.”

On my desk there is plethora of pictures that I refer to as my “collection of favorites.” These picture range from present to past students, friends, etc, but in the middle of these pictures sits a picture of Tina and me. My students often ask, “Is this your girlfriend/ wife?” My response is always, “No, just a dear friend of mine who has passed. I only wish I could be half the person she was.” My students just look at me with curiosity. I then explain to him or her the “power of Tina.”

I am sure she is looking down at us, smiling, hopefully knowing the profound influence she had on so many people. I am also sure in the dark days of our lives, she sends us the courage, the strength, the confidence and the power to move through our day.

Thank you for paying such a wonderful tribute to our friend. May we always remember “the power of Tina.”

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