Errol Moncriffe

Cold as Hell Errol Moncriffe

The title Cold as Hell comes from an adage that has been used in the black neighborhood for years. I wish I could lay claim to it, but it meandered its way through the hood for years. Now that I look at history in America living as an African American has always been an oxymoron. In its inception, we fought for a country that enslaved us as a reward. During the first world war, we fought mightily and again returned as second class citizens. Therefore, the title usage fits our struggle in America for the past four hundred years. Hence, the reason for the title of this book. In this era being an inspirational teacher and also supportive toward the administrations that have catered to the whelms of parents has become an oxymoron. This book begins with a confused educator that has forgotten the real reason that he has become a teacher. He takes a day off to recover and get recharged for the rest of the year. While he lays in the bed trying to forget everything, circumstances remind him that he has been placed on this earth to affect someone's life. Naturally, a television show was the catalyst. With that spark he chronicles the businesses and schools that prepared him for his journey through life. His recognition of the power and handprint of God all over His life became apparent. In fact, entering the profession from many years in banking and working for the Texas Department of Human Services it was very apparent. He saw it in his teaching of math and coaching several sports. Each page chronicles stories that built a novice teacher to one that was productive. I wish I could claim to have been the best, but the more I taught the more I realized how much I didn't know. Each page outlines the hand that students have in maturing a good teacher and hopefully it will help the reader recognize that students are amazing. It also shows how the maturity of a coach being shaped by the actions of students. We tend to try and show people how much we control our students, but I learned that becoming a great coach involve opening a two-way street. Coach Courtney taught me that sometimes the people in the battle know exactly what needs to be done to win. Let them win and move out of the way!!!! Lastly, it shows you the hand of God all throughout my life. He has guided me through everything that I have ever attempted. After looking back at my life story, I realized that God is really "Cold as Hell".