Faculty Tribute - Dee Apple

When I first met Dr. Apple, he did what I thought was impossible: he made me smile. Left isolated in the unfamiliarity of the infirm with people rushing through the halls, the staff all seemed indifferent to my despondency until Dr. Apple arrived. He grabbed the frame of the door with his hands, hiding his legs behind the wall, and pretended that some malicious creature was trying to drag him away. He was remarkably dedicated to his performance, and the comedic one-man act might have fooled many people. It was a simple gesture, yet a reluctant and amused smile appeared on my face for the first time that day.

That moment has tremendous meaning to me, for it was a genuine portrayal of his valiant efforts to distract me from my distressed spirits. It was the beginning of a year of emotionally strenuous therapy, but I still think of that day with fondness. The simple presence of a person who wanted to make me more lighthearted, if not only for a moment, built a sense of security in me.

Dr. Apple is unnervingly intelligent, remarkably humorous, and significantly caring. He is unlike any other counselor I have ever met—the unmistakable sincerity of his words makes me confide in him without doubt.

The beginning of May marked a year since I have known Dr. Apple. When I went to him for our last session, it was one of the most painfully bittersweet goodbyes that I have made. When I embraced him for the last time, tears started streaming down my face, and the inevitability of the fact that he would leave became unbearable. I rushed out of the room before he could speak again, and now I wish to tell him what I could not say that day. Words cannot begin to describe the endearment that this community holds for him, nor can they describe our appreciation for the essential guidance that he has provided. I can only hope that this community will meet another counselor with the heartfelt care that Dr. Apple holds for the students.

Thank you, Dr. Apple, for your years of dedication to students and for guiding me through this year.