We all have that one extraordinary teacher who changed our lives, inspired us to be our best selves, and left an indelible mark on our hearts. For me and many other Lakesiders, that teacher is Mr. Rona. As he prepares to retire after a distinguished career of 47 years at Lakeside School, I had the honor of interviewing him to share his remarkable journey.

Contrary to what many may assume, Mr. Rona did not plan on becoming a math teacher. His initial goal was to pursue a career as an environmental lawyer. However, during his time in a teaching program at Harvard, where he taught Algebra to freshmen and Optics to seniors, he discovered his true calling: teaching. This newfound passion led him back to Lakeside School, where he taught English, history, and math. As the demands for subject knowledge and preparation grew over time, teaching multiple subjects became increasingly challenging. With fewer math teachers available, Mr. Rona decided to focus exclusively on teaching math. Personally, I couldn’t be more grateful for this turn of events, as it was through his math classes that I had the privilege of meeting and learning from him.

I still vividly remember the jitters I felt on the first day of my Math 8A class two years ago. However, Mr. Rona’s welcoming demeanor, genuine curiosity in getting to know each of us, and delightful sense of humor immediately put me at ease, creating a positive learning environment. Don’t let Mr. Rona’s approachable nature fool you, though. He challenged us with rigorous problems, pushing us to our full potential. Yet, he was always there to offer the necessary support, helping me develop a sense of pride in my accomplishments. It was incredibly satisfying to finally solve those tough math problems on my own, making the day seem brighter. Mr. Rona called this the “aha” moment, and for him, witnessing these moments of realization in his students was one of the most gratifying aspects of teaching.

Reflecting on his Lakeside career, Mr. Rona shared a story about a challenging outdoor trip with his students that remains etched in his memory. Amidst the pouring rain and arduous conditions, some students broke down and cried. But they supported each other and the group persevered through a difficult trek, only to discover that their designated campsite was already occupied.

Undeterred, they pressed on and found a new campsite on a hillside after hiking an additional mile in the dark. Years later, Mr. Rona discovered that one of his students on that trip had been walking with a broken arm, yet never complained or gave up. Today, that student has gone on to become a successful orthopedic surgeon. For Mr. Rona, moments like these serve as powerful reminders of the growth and resilience that can emerge when people come together to face challenging times. 

As our conversation drew to a close, I asked Mr. Rona to share the life skills he believes are most important. With his characteristic eloquence, he imparted two essential lessons. First, cultivating a strong work discipline is vital for success in any pursuit. Second, genuine happiness comes not from fulfilling personal desires or seeking approval, but from contributing to the well-being and happiness of others.

As we bid farewell to this extraordinary teacher, we do so with gratitude for the countless lives he has touched and the enduring legacy he leaves behind. Thank you, Mr. Rona, for the invaluable lessons and the lasting memories. Your influence will be felt for generations to come.