Four years ago, I stepped into room 211. Surrounding me were artwork projects from my fellow talented Coral Reef peers, inspiring quotes from Jack Kerouac, and one proud and loud teacher. This was the moment I was waiting for since I first walked into Coral Reef in 2007. David Menasche was a renowned 11th grade English teacher at Coral Reef and beyond. His method and styles of teaching surpassed everyone’s expectations and so much more. During lunchtime, this was the room that was packed with students waiting to engage in a spiritual and witty dialogue with him. Yes, he was that teacher, the one with all the fearsome tattoos and that special zest for life. Trust me, you wanted to be his best friend! One day Mr. Menasche was replaced with a substitute teacher, leaving everyone confused. I clearly remember my mother being upset because she was unable to meet the teacher that I talked oh-so much about on a daily basis. She (just as many other parents) wanted to get to know this charismatic character. Unfortunately, he was unable to teach for a few months due to the return of his cancer; which till this day has affected him greatly in many ways. Consequently Menasche was unable to continue his career in July 2012, where a few months later he took the initiative to visit his former students around the United States. Through his travels, his peculiar encounters, and his animated personality, Menasche was able to stitch his life story into a book, The Priority List, which has become a hit not only locally, but nationally as well. Recently, I was able to interview the FIU’ 96 alum on his life as a student at FIU. Take a look below!
Do you have any memories from your times at FIU that have stuck with you till this day?
Well a recent one was actually after I was awarded Teacher Of The Year in my region in 2012; the President of FIU Dr. Rosenberg, invited me to his house to present me with an award. Also I fondly remember professors Michael Branc, Joe Kinchelloe and his wife, Shirley Stine. I also remember Dr. Gail Gregg and I want to thank her because she saved my butt when I got kicked out of FIU for a brief moment. (More details about this experience is shared in his book)
I remember you telling my class in high school to go to a college out of state and expand beyond Florida but how come you decided to study at FIU?
Well, I actually went to college in NYC to become a journalist but when I decided that I wanted to be a teacher, I transferred and researched the best education program in Florida and FIU came out on top.
You’ve pretty much conquered all your fears and have come to peace with what everyone is scared of, death. So besides that, what’s something you’re afraid of that many people don’t know?
Coming to terms with death has actually helped me become fearless. But I would have to say gravity, since it’s my main mode of transportation. Gravity is not my friend.
What would you say was the hardest part of writing your book?
Well I can’t use my left hand so I did the whole thing on voice recognition on my phone while traveling. So when I was visiting my students it was actually really difficult trying to find ten minutes of quiet time, to focus and dictate what I did that day –especially when there’s a lot of commotion going on around me.
So what book is on your audiobook playlist right now?
Jitterbug Perfume by Tom Robbins. It takes place in the neighborhood I currently live in.
What are your current projects?
I’m an ambassador for the non-profit Voices Against Brain Cancer; it funds cutting-edge research to find a cure and it also serves as a community of supporters. I’m a pseudo-counselor for others and help them cope and adjust with life while having brain cancer.
I’m sure that there are former students of yours at FIU right now, such as myself. What advice do you give us for life after college?
Ask for help when you need it and offer it when you don’t need it. I’m disabled, blind and crippled and I had to become less prideful and learn to be more humble. Also, enjoy the moment once you graduate because you are graduates of your life. You have no kids, no “real life” burden. You are completely free. You should cherish your life at this point because it is absolute freedom and these are your healthy years, so there’s plenty of time to do everything.
Don’t forget to pick up Menasche’s book, The Priority List. His chronicles can be followed on his Facebook fan page, so make sure to like it!