This book is dedicated to my parents who always were great role models for me; my wife Rita, who had to endure many hours of me staring blankly at walls and at the sky, and to all my teachers who had supported and provided me with much positive encouragement throughout my teen life, including my 7th grade teacher Mr. Chang, 張正昌 老師 in Taiwan. Mr. Chang gave this ancient Chinese wisdom to me in 1979, just days before I left Taiwan for the U.S.
A Math Award was established in 2000 in memory of Mrs. Marjean Clark at Cupertino Middle School.
My first mathematic teacher at Cupertino Middle School, Mrs. Clark, gave me tremendous confidence boost during my first year in a foreign, unfamiliar environment. Mrs. Clark always found ways to encourage all her students in her classes. She constantly rewarded her students who had the best scores, showed the most improvement, or was the most helpful students during the class. Her class was always filled with dedication, caring, excitement, and enthusiasm.
Mr. Pelton passed away in 2016. Many former students visited his family every year, even beyond his passing.
Mr. Pelton, second row first left, with a few of his many ESL students at Homestead Hi School (1983). C.J.Ma top row fourth from left.
The inspiration of all three wonderful
teachers lives on…