=== Excerpt from Wikipedia.org: ===
When John H. White was nine years old, a teacher told him that he would grow up to work on a garbage truck because he was slow in math. At home, his father told him to grow up to his best, to look for the best in others, and if he were to work on a garbage truck, fine…just be sure he is the driver. White has said that this was a turning point in his life. White joined the staff of the Chicago Sun Times in 1978 and still works there today. He also teaches photojournalism at Columbia College Chicago, and formerly taught at Northwestern University…
Hal Buell, the former head of the Associated Press Photography Service, noted that White is one of the best photographers at capturing the everyday vignette…
White has said that he lives by three words: faith, focus, flight. “I’m faithful to my purpose, my mission, my assignment, my work, my dreams. I stay focused on what I’m doing and what’s important. And I keep in flight—I spread my wings and do it.”
=== End Excerpt ===
On April 12, 2008, I went to an event that left an indelible mark in my photo career. Bob Davis told me about an event called The PhotoJournalist Love (PJ Love) that was going to be held at Columbia School of Photography. It’s an event to celebrate photojournalism – but also mainly to commemorate 30 years of Professor John H. White’s service. Bob was one of the guest speakers so I went with him to show support and to find out more about photojournalism since it is so closely related to what I do.
Students of former and current gathered together to network and learn from each other. Although I had never heard of Professor White until that day, I could tell right away that he was a passionate man – so full of love for his career and for his students. I was extremely touched by everyone that came back to thank their mentor.
Some of the more distinguished students were asked to speak about what they are doing in their lives. I got to meet an official White House photographer – (which was a treat in itself because I always wanted to photograph the president).
Bob was one of the guest speakers. As expected, many students came up to introduce themselves to Bob. He gave a great but short lecture about his career giving some helpful tips. At the end of his lecture, he walked over to Professor White to thank him for all that he has taught him. It was a touching moment as we realized that everyone in that room had that commonality – all of them have been influenced and learned from Professor White. They were better people today because they met and learned from him before.
In that moment, I witnessed Bob, the famous celebrity photojournalist, transform from a confident man to a shy student in front of his teacher. It was an emotional moment.
Here’s John with some of his students from the past
During lunch, I had an opportunity to talk to Professor White. Even though we were strangers, his warming presence made me feel so comfortable – as if I was just talking to an old friend that I hadn’t seen in years. I conjured up enough courage to ask him if I can photograph him. I don’t know what it is but all of us, photographers, become shy in front of the camera. We had fun snapping some shots of him. It didn’t take long before others came and started to do the same. 
At the end, we all gathered for a group photo. Bob took the photo then told everyone to take a picture of Prof. John.
But it didn’t just stop after one click. It went on and on…there must’ve been thousands of shutters being clicked. Strangely, at that moment, the shutters clicking, in my mind, tranformed into sounds of thunderous ovation of hands clapping for the professor that forever changed their lives.
Whew, it was a tear-jerking moment. I did my best to hold back the tears. Professor White stood there, cried, smiled, laughed, posed, but mostly gazed at everyone with a thankful smile. If he ever had any difficulties being a teacher, I think that moment probably made it all worth it.
Being a true teacher, he didn’t miss the opportunity and gave a heartful speech to his students. I don’t recall most of it as his voice was drowned mostly by the shutters clicking. But I do remember these words: “Faith, focus, flight. ‘I’m faithful to my purpose, my mission, my assignment, my work, my dreams. I stay focused on what I’m doing and what’s important. And I keep in flight—I spread my wings and do it.’”
I think I will actually try to take one of his classes in the fall. I can’t wait to get to know him more. Observing Professor White, I can see why Bob is who is today. Thank you professor, for all your years of dedication and service. And thanks Bob for this unforgettable experience!
