Scott Camp

I began to know Mr. Cotterell during our junior year when I was involved in student council.  I started enjoying his advice so much that I literally skipped classes to go sit in his office to listen and learn.  I'm sure he knew I was skipping class, but, after all, I was skipping class to learn more important things from him, so he didn't seem upset.  He'd even write me an excuse to take back to class if I'd ask for one.  On one such occasion, I walked into the class office while he was finishing some disciplinary matter with a "problem student."  I could tell Mr. C was troubled when I sat down in his guest chair.  He opened the top drawer of his desk, where a bunch of small, dirty black rocks were rolling around.  He picked one up, handed it to me, and said, "Here, Scott, I want you to have this."  While I said, "Thank you, Sir," I was thinking, "Okay, a dirty black rock--gosh, thanks."  Then he explained how he picked them right off the ground at his ranch (he really loved that place).  He told me that the rocks reminded him of how to deal with difficult people: "When you look at the surface, all you can see is the surface; but if you look in just the right light, everything becomes clear and you can see all the way through."  That is pretty much a direct quote, and I have relied on Mr. Cotterell's wisdom countless times in my profession and personal life ever since.  That black rock followed me through college and law school, sat on top of my office desks, and is now displayed prominently on the bookcase in my study at home.  I can't tell you how many times I've lifted it to the light while trying to solve difficult problems.  It's an Indian Tear Drop (also called an Apache Tear), and when you hold it up to the right light, it's so clear that you can see all the way through.  Magical.  I've taught the lesson to many other folks--from my kids to co-workers (basically, anyone who will listen)--and I love to see their first reactions when I hand them the dirty black rock and say, "This rock is like a difficult person... ."  

When we were seniors, Mr. C joked that he was retiring as soon as we graduated because our class had worn him down so much that he just couldn't take it anymore!  (At least I think he was joking!)  Mr. Cotterell was one of those rare and special people whose essence was to mentor folks like us during critical years in our developing lives.  We're blessed to have known him.  The fact that his wisdom lives on and has touched so many people in positive ways stands as a fitting memorial to this great man.

All the best,

Scott Camp