"Hey Hills..."
4th Edition
Hey Hills Foreword:
A long time ago, I wrote a blog called 'Hey Hills.' Members of the Portledge community would ask me questions about myself or Portledge, and as long as they weren't too personal, I would answer them to the best of my ability. We’ve decided to rekindle this process as part of the new Portledge Press. So, in each issue, I’ll answer a few of the questions that have been submitted.. If I don’t get to your question—don’t worry—I’ll probably get to it in a later issue. If something else comes up in your mind, feel free to ask another question…….so here it goes.
- Phillip Hills
First Question:
Hey Hills ... What’s your favorite part of teaching?
I thought this was a great question, and it’s one I'm eager to answer. My favorite part of teaching is watching a student grow in confidence and become more willing to use their intellect. As their confidence grows, they become more engaged in the learning process, and before long, they actually develop a love of learning. Being in the middle of this process and helping a student reach this type of academic engagement is what keeps me coming back year after year.
Second Question:
Hey Hills ... What’s your “go to” order at the Million Dollar Deli in LV?
Many of the older students run into me at the Million $ Deli either at lunchtime or after practice on my way home. The thing about this place is that the food is always fresh and really well prepared, and because I’m so busy, I’m not sure I could survive without it. Of course, you have to start with Bacon, Egg, and Cheese on a Roll with Salt & Pepper. It’s a Long Island favorite and no one makes it better than Million $....The Half & Half Ice Tea & Lemonade is just the right mixture of soothing and refreshing, and I’ve never tasted its equal anywhere else. Last, because they break up granola bars rather than use loose granola, their Acai Bowls are superior to others'.
Third Question:
Hey Hills ... Who is your favorite Beatle and what’s your favorite Beatle song?
My favorite Beatle was George Harrison, whose lead guitar riffs were an underrated part of the group’s music. To follow up on that, my favorite Beatles song is the Harrison classic ‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps’.
Fourth Question:
Hey Hills ... What is the lowest score that you’ve had in a round of golf?
I know this question comes from Coach Pennie, and it makes me smile because it’s quite a story. I’ve never shot par, but I’ve been one over on several occasions. The most memorable time came in the semi-finals of a prestigious tournament at the National Golf Links in Southampton, NY. My partner and I were matched in a fourball against Roger Waters of the band Pink Floyd and his partner, a former pro from Spain. I had a great start, birdieing the first hole and paring the next six, when the Spanish guy tried to get in my head by saying, “you’re having quite a round, young man”. Well, I felt so good that day, I just looked at him and responded, ‘You are right, I am striking the ball well today”. The match went back and forth as the former pro eagled two par fives, but I remained steady and closed with a 20’ birdie on 17 and a 10-footer for par on 18 to send Pink Floyd back to the clubhouse one down. My final score was a one over 73, and the circumstances surrounding that round make it my best score. Golf is a game, however, where you are constantly searching for the perfect round and in the process building a lifetime of memories - so in the end - the famous Waters Match was just another brick in the wall.
Well…it’s been my pleasure to answer your questions and work with the Portledge Press staff.
I commend them for their efforts and perseverance!