A Latin Dictionary Saved My Life
Author: Martin Stoleman

In many ways, I have never been much of a student, especially
if you are talking about being a student within the confines of
a classroom. I've always loved learning, don't get me wrong, but
get me inside a classroom for months on end and there is little
that can be done to keep me interested in even the most
fascinating subjects. I have no real idea how I managed to make
it through four years of college. My Latin class in particular
almost had the power to ruin my college career. I am convinced
that I might have quite school had it not been for my Latin
dictionary. It saved my education, and hence, my life.

I realize the previous statement may sound extreme, but it is
true. I was so fed up with the stresses of my Latin class in
college that I nearly dropped out of school. I guess I didn't
have things in the best perspective, but that is how deeply I
was being affected by the class. In the sixth week of the
fifteen week class I called my father on the phone and finally
told him of the truth of my current plight. He simply listened
and then laughed at me and muttered two words. "Latin
dictionary," he said. I had no idea how much I needed to hear
those two words nor how much they would change my semester and
literally the rest of my life.

I have absolutely no idea why my Latin professor didn't suggest
that I buy a Latin dictionary. I'm actually a little bitter
about it now that I think about it. Anyway, I rushed off to a
bookstore the next day and purchased the cheapest and biggest
Latin dictionary I could find. I had little money, but I felt
like bigger must be better when it came to a dictionary.

Over the days and weeks ahead, I poured over that dictionary as
I studied for my Latin class. Having that resource taught me an
amazing amount that I just wasn't getting in the classroom. I
pulled my grade up from a failing score to a B in the remaining
weeks of the class. But that's not all that happened: I had a
renewed love of learning. Yes, the Latin dictionary was
responsible for my pursuit of learning and of new knowledge in
many areas. It did little to make me enjoy time in a classroom,
but it did inspire me to pursue many of the things I now love.


About The Author: Martin Stoleman is a writer that credits his
college diploma and many other things to his Latin dictionary.
See http://www.funlatindictionary.info to learn more for
yourself.