Randy Sodano, class of 1995, wrote this reflection about his experience with Arminta Baldwin. He read it at her memorial service on October 28, 2017.
I pushed Ms. B from her car to her classroom so she could teach.
She pushed me, a math guy, to eventually secure an English minor. She gave me specific feedback on my writings (often more than I wanted) and held a growth mindset long before it was trendy. She reminded me that a work she dubbed an “Excellent Paper” is an A- in her book and was simply a great start. She demanded excellence – true excellence – and handed out no participation trophies in her classroom.You see, Mrs. B pushed me to be a better student.
I pushed Ms. B from her classroom to a meeting across campus and felt like the queen’s hand.
She pushed me, an idealistic blue-collar kid from blue-collar Pittsburgh, to be a better advocate for all groups. As a blue-collar professor born-and-raised in blue-collar West Virginia, she taught me how to support my passions with facts and greater coherence with regard to written expression. She helped me prove that it is actually simultaneously possible to love America, its soldiers, Republicans and Democrats, Christians and those of other faiths, those that are gay and those that are straight – that we are all God’s children and He has provided a large enough tent to house all of us. You see, Ms. B pushed me to be a better social advocate for all.
I pushed Ms.B from her meeting across campus back to her car.
She pushed me, a naive kid, that irrespective of a terrifying tragedy, you can still laugh. If there was a person that could have been filled with anger and resentment, it was Ms. B. Trust me. Nonetheless, her sense of humor as she walked me through one of her no-charge counseling sessions she with me over any of my trivial concerns was uncanny and guided me through many “tough” times. Although Ms. B could have understandably dismissed most of my so-called troubles, she didn’t. Instead, she listened with a warm heart and masterfully provided guidance that was intertwined with both kindness and toughness. You see, Ms. B pushed me to be a better human.
I think we know who pushed who.
Randy Sodano ’95
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