Letters from Students

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR RETIREMENT!

Dear Mr. Bornfeld,

I cannot believe you are retiring! Your class was by far one of my favorites. AP classes in general

were such a highlight of my high school experience. Especially being in the iPad cohort, I felt

our group was able to create such a unique bond.

While writing this letter, I realized it has been 10 years since I took your class! It feels like so

much time, yet no time, has passed. My older sister, Taylor, and I still talk about your class to

this day. We are both teaching now and find ourselves reflecting on some of our favorite teachers

and classes from high school. After graduating from college and completing my master’s, I can

still say your class was one of the most challenging, character-building, rigorous courses I have

ever taken. It set the foundation for me developing critical thinking skills. However, whether

because it’s been ten years since I was a sophomore, or because I was so truly anxious coming to

class every other day, I don’t really remember what we spent our time learning. I just know it

was very difficult. I remember the map test I spent all summer studying for, Martin Luther’s 95

Theses, and lots of notecards, but after that I don’t remember much. My family and I have been

watching The Crown, and each episode is a complete surprise to me – as if the show isn’t based

on historical events! Taylor never fails to point out, “how do you not remember this?! We learned

this in Euro!” Unfortunately, I feel like I was so overwhelmed with it being my first AP class and

felt so anxious to come to class every day that I had difficulty actually paying attention to the

material. Regardless, your class was still one of my favorites. They say people will forget what

you say or do, but they will never forget how they made you feel; I think that is so true in this

case. I have so much gratitude for your course and the experience of taking your class.

I definitely felt the pressure in your class, and if anything, I regret that your memory of me might

reflect a more immature point of view. Looking through my yearbook from that year, I saw that

everyone in our Euro class referenced some joke of me snapping my fingers to get your

attention. I certainly hope I didn’t actually snap my fingers at you, and if I did, I apologize! But

hopefully you got a laugh out of it. I also remember you teasing me a lot for being panicky,

saying “like,” and being unable to answer questions on the spot – no wonder I was nervous

coming to class! It was all fun, though, and I really do look back with such fond memories.

It's doubtful you even remember who I am. So much time has passed, and you have hundreds of

students each year. Yet if you do, here’s a little update of my life post-high school graduation in

2016... I graduated as summa cum laude from Cal State Fullerton and obtained my Master of

Science in Clinical Psychology. I am on the path to becoming a marriage and family therapist,

although I am not currently working towards licensure. After graduation, I shifted my career

goals and am now teaching at Cal State Fullerton in the undergraduate psychology department

and am really enjoying it. The students call me professor which feels totally weird and

inappropriate.

Mr. Bornfeld, I wish you the best in this next chapter of your life and hope you realize how many

lives you have impacted in your time at Aliso Niguel. It really feels like the end of an era, and it’s

so weird knowing you won’t be teaching AP Euro anymore. Like I said, I look back on your class

with so many positive memories. I’m glad I was able to reach out to thank you for your

commitment to your students over the years. Congratulations, again – it is so well deserved!

Best regards & sincerest thanks,

Rachel Salamone

rachelsalamone20@gmail.com

Dear Bornfeld,

Happy retirement! It honestly feels like yesterday that I was in your AP Euro class - I

can't believe it's now been 9 years since I took the Map Test, studied the War of Three Henrys,

learned in detail both World Wars, and spent hours memorizing blue notecards! Those are only

some of the strong memories that resurface when I think of your exciting class.

To start, I want to thank you for keeping us all engaged in class. I remember looking

forward to your lectures each class period, because it kept me on my toes in case I was going to

be called on. I always loved history, and felt like I found my place in your class. I think I might

have told you this once, but I begged to be homeschooled Sophomore year after having a very

rough Freshman year. But I remember the ONE thing keeping me from fully committing was that

I’d miss your class, a class that Bryan had told me all about (I remember him telling me all about

the Russian History Saturday Class when I was in 8th grade - and the information was SO

interesting). I was so curious about European history that I knew I’d be missing out on this

experience, so I decided to stay in public school - a very strong teacher/class reputation to do

that! I’m so glad your class kept me there, because that year I found amazing friends, and

started to LOVE school (your class was 100% my favorite), and I went into Junior year shocked

that I ever wanted to leave ANHS.

I have lots of fond memories from your class (I was 4th period, 2013-2014 - the quiet

class of that year) and I remember at the end of the year you called me in from my second

period so I could witness your second period class (the fun and engaging class) and I remember

you told me I deserved to see a good class - it was pretty awesome. To this day, I still talk to

friends about what we learned in your class, and how most historical events are incredibly,

wonderfully dramatic - much better than an action movie in my opinion. I’ve been fortunate

enough to travel through Europe throughout these past years, and I am always the friend to

bring up historical facts I learned from your class. Thank you for lighting a fire for the importance

of education and learning from the past, and pushing us all to work harder. It’s definitely helped

all of your students, I’m sure.

Congratulations on an incredible career that we are all fortunate enough to have been a

part of. Thank you for teaching so many of us and giving your all to education - we are so

grateful!

Sincerely,

Lauren Firks

"Hi Borny! This is Allie White (Class of 2014, JV volleyball 2012). Congratulations on your retirement– it is so well deserved! I just wanted to thank you for having such a big impact on my life during my time at ANHS, both in the classroom and on the volleyball court. Your AP Euro class was the first AP class I ever took, and it was the first time I felt truly challenged in a class. I went on to take 5 more AP classes in high school and am about to graduate with my Ph.D. in communication from the University of Delaware this May. Looking back, I can't help but credit you as an educator for being the one to make me fall in love with learning for the sake of learning and being challenged academically– learning how to not be a "grade grubber" in your class is what guided me to the path I'm on today. I have such fond memories of your class and all of the random bits of knowledge we picked up along the way (for example– you're the singular reason that I know the words defenestrate and sycophant, and I still have an active Facebook account for Henry Tudor to this day). If I could go back in time and retake your AP Euro class, I would in a heartbeat!! 

Thank you for sharing your love of history with all of the ANHS AP students; I promise that it was cherished and well received! I wish you and your family the very best, and I hope you enjoy this next chapter of your life!"

Allie White

Ph.D. Candidate | Graduate Research Assistant

253 Pearson Hall | Department of Communication

University of Delaware

alliejw@udel.edu

Dear Mr. Bornfeld,

Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement! You have nobly dedicated your life to inspiring young minds, and now, a generation of us stands ready to carry on what you started. I will never forget the quote from William Butler Yeats you loved to mention in class – “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”

Nearly a decade ago in 2014 when I took your AP European History class, I’m not sure I fully understood or appreciated the meaning behind that quote. Now with some more real life experience under my belt, I not only see the great wisdom in it but I’ve had the chance to impact the lives of others through education. I can safely say that the lifelong lessons I learned in your class are the most useful I have had throughout my academic career.

After graduating from Aliso Niguel, I found my calling in life as a chemical engineer due to my desire to solve energy problems in the world. I’m now more than halfway through a Ph.D. at Stanford University and frequently get to teach or mentor others as a graduate teaching assistant, one of my favorite parts of what I do. As I’m preparing my lectures and strategy for teaching, I always think back to your class and how you managed to convey not just valuable information but a passion to learn independently. It’s a great reminder for me that no matter how far I am able to go in life, I will always have something more to learn. 

I hope your retirement is filled with the same passion, joy, and enthusiasm for learning that we were so fortunate to see in class. 

Your student, always,

Gaurav Budkule

AP European History Class of 2014 and ANHS Class of 2016

Sincerely,

Gaurav A. Kamat (he/him)

Ph.D. Candidate | Jaramillo Group

SUNCAT Center for Interface Science and Catalysis

Dept. of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University 

gkamat@stanford.edu

Shriram Center, 443 Via Ortega, Rm. 310 (Stanford)

Arrillaga Science Center B057, 2020J (SLAC)

tel: +1 (949)-354-1772

Mr. Bornfeld --

Thank you for the gift of your teaching and congratulations on your retirement. What we learned in your class will last a lifetime -- it's already made its way into Firks Family Europe trips, and Lauren and I still quiz each other on Euro fun facts from the War of Three Henrys to the Defenestration of Prague. Wishing you all the best, and drinks are on Jessy and me next time.

Best,

Bryan Firks

__

bryanfirks.com

949.521.4703

Mr. Bornfeld, 

Congratulations on your retirement!

When I look back on my educational experience, you were one of the first teachers I ever had that really pushed me to do more than cruise on autopilot and held me to a higher standard. Today, as I am getting close to wrapping up my sixth year as a teacher myself, I like to think I take some of my cues from being in your class: holding my students to high expectations, adding in humor, and most of all, leading with compassion and kindness. In your class, you had us write a quote down on the covers of our notebooks: “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” This quote now lives on the wall of my classroom. You’ve done your time, helped to light and kindle so many of these fires, and now it’s time to reap the rewards: hopefully filled with time spent on the things you love most, with those you cherish most. 

Cheers!

Stephanie Harb

Class of 2014

Mr. Bornfeld - you’ve educated me through so many stages in my life. The harsh reality you gave me in AP Euro was just the shock I needed to buckle down for the rest of high school. The confident guidance you gave as I started teaching myself bolstered me in ways I couldn’t outwardly express my urgent need for. And finally the sense of camaraderie I feel when talking with you now almost makes me feel comfortable calling you Dan….but you’ll always be Mr. Bornfeld to me - that sage leader mixing just the right amount of sarcasm and passion. Thank you very everything, and a happy retirement to you. You’ve earned it!  

--------------------------
Robert Bennigsdorf
Owner
Comprehensive College Prep

Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/ccprep123

Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/CCPrep

“Hi Mr. Bornfeld! I knew you were retiring soon, but it’s always bittersweet to hear that from one of your favorite teachers. As for so many others, you made such an impact on me during the AP Euro course and beyond. Not only did you prepare me for the AP exam, but you imparted so many lessons that’ll I’ll carry with me forever. The memories I have from your class will last a lifetime. Thank you, thank you, thank you. The world needs more teachers like you ‘lighting the fire.’ All the best and I hope to see you again down the road!

The worst detective ever,

Yash Gursahani” 

Thanks,

Yash Gursahani 

Mr. Bornfeld: 

Thank you so much for teaching AP Euro. As a teacher myself, I think of you often and am inspired by your passion and enthusiasm for the subject you teach, and the way you shared parts of yourself to connect with your students! I will never forget that you went to Cal State Chico (I am not sure why I always remember that haha). I always tell people a story of how you made us all sit down in class one day, take out a sheet of paper, and listen to "Bittersweet Symphony" and write down our thoughts. Every time I hear that song I remember that day in your class! I also will never forget how someone once edited Wikipedia to include your name at some historical meeting (I forget which one now). You have been so loved as a teacher and have impacted soooo many lives. Thank you for your service to us, and I hope you enjoy your well-deserved retirement!! 

 Sincerely,

Whitney Featherston

Hi Mr. Bornfeld! 

Congratulations on your retirement! You were one of my favorite teachers, your class was always so fun and interesting - you really made history come alive! I’ve been living abroad in Stockholm, Sweden for the past 13 years, and I really think you helped plant the European seed early on during World History my sophomore year (year 2000). Wow, time flies! I remember learning all about the French Revolution and the Russian Revolution and getting really excited about everything that happened. Thank you for making High School and history so fun and exciting. 

Best of luck and enjoy life after work!

Regards,

Shane McPartland-Weise 

Hey Mr. Bornfeld, it's Philip Risteski! Congrats on so many successful years of teaching and retirement. You may not remember me since its been 9 years but I'm the guy who said "The Low Countries" in a super low voice. Joshua Frial and Coby Seyrafi still remind me of that memory to this date. Even though I got a C in your class, I still enjoyed every moment of it. Best wishes to you, your family, and enjoy your retirement! 

Mr. Bornfeld,

Mike Carrerow here - I am/was close with Robby and Nicole, I was their year (class of '02), but I spent most of my free time in your class before the morning bell with my pal Landon Graham. Of the thousands of students you've taught, hopefully you've retained a fond memory or two of us.

 I heard via social media that you are retiring and didn't hesitate to reach out and contribute to this project. Hopefully I'm still a long way from retirement mysefl, but when I do call it a quits, I think I'll want to know if I made a difference through my work. I wanted to write to let you know some ways in which you did.

 You were the first adult I discussed 9/11 with. We didn't really discuss verbally as much, or I don't remember what was said, but I do remember the shocked glances we exchanged. We all just kind of sat in disbelief and watched the news before class started. Thinking back, it seems clear your classroom provided the safest space we had at the time.

 I argued with teachers a lot. Most of the teachers I argued with, I did so because I felt like they didn't care as much as I did. I am not proud of the behavior in retrospect, but I can try and justify it just a little as an adult by saying I was a typical angsty teen who learned and now knows better, and can teach my children to be better (just one by the way - an 8 year old son). But in your case, I challenged you a lot, I think, because I knew how much you cared. That if I had a gripe I thought was legitimate, unlike most teachers, it found purchase when brought to you. 

 If I have a regret it's that I didn't appreciate it more at the time. Took it for granted how rare it would be for a teacher to engage me at a level that gave me individual legitimacy rather than sought to remind me that I was one of many students.

 I'm sure I am responsible for at least one of the gray hairs I see in the picture Nicole shared of you. I hope it wasn't traumatic being my educator, but for the tough times that you endured on mine and all our behalfs, thank you. It was meaningful, and still carries meaning for me, even to this day.

Congratulations on your retirement, I believe it is well-earned, and I hope you find infinite ways to enjoy it.

 -Mike Carrerow

ANHS Class of '02

 P.S. - You might be interested to learn my son is FASCINATED by WW II history, and I'm not sure where he gets it from. I call on the knowledge you gave often to help me support it - at least in the European theater.

Dear Mr. Bornfeld,

Congratulations on your retirement and on basically altering the course of my life! Taking AP Euro with you changed the chemical balance of my brain, probably. And while I don't necessarily still remember what Martin Luther's 95 Theses were about, I do remember how excited I was to enter your classroom every morning and how you never failed to keep us engaged in a lecture. 

Every time I reminisce (and it's pretty often for a class I took almost 10 years ago) on my time in your classroom, I only remember good things and how you would humor us and our annoying 15-year-old selves.  I never met any other teacher with your method of teaching, not even in college. 

I hope you have the best time in retirement, because you deserve it after being surrounded by teens all day for years on end. Thank you for all the sacrifices and time you spent on making sure we felt like someone actually saw us and cared. 

By the way, I still have my Bornfeld-made ancien régime tshirt you made for me during tutorial. It shall be passed down to my children and my children's children until the green sharpie fades. 

All my best,

Katrina Galian

Class of 2016

Hi Borny! 

I can’t believe it’s been around 10 years since I was in your class! I took Euro in the 2011-2012 school year and then TA’d for you my senior year in 2014.

Thank you for all your hard work and dedication over the years! I know you loved teaching and I’m sure it was hard to decide to say goodbye. But I hope you know that your class was so impactful to so many of us, and even if you’re not in the classroom anymore, your work lives on with all your students. 

I was able to visit several countries in Europe the past few years, and it has been so fun to be transported back to sophomore year and remember the things we learned. One thing I think about frequently is how different periods of philosophy and thought are reacting to what came before them. Another big lesson from your class was learning about point of view in historical accounts and how to spot bias. But most of all, thank you for creating an experience that helped me show myself that I can do challenging things. I’ll never forget how satisfying it was to get my score back on the AP Exam. 

I hope you enjoy your retirement and get a chance to travel more! And maybe show-up the European tour guides and docents with your robust knowledge of the continent. ;)

All the best, 

Erika Stablow

GENEVIEVE BRITTINGHAM, 2014-15

Realistically there are too many good memories in his class to name, but what stuck with me more was how accessible and invested he was in us after we graduated. Throughout my entire college experience he made sure to stay in touch and would give me advice and encourage me in everything I was doing. I wish I had more to say but I don’t think words can describe how much of an impact he had on my life as a teacher and a role model.

RILEY DUFF, 2014-15

I have many memories from my sophomore year in AP Euro with Bornfeld. 7 years later and I can’t listen to that song “War” (huh yeah.. lol) without filling in the blank after “what is it good for” with nationalism or one of the many vocabulary words we learned that year. Bittersweet Symphony also brings me back to that year instantly. I remember when he asked me if I think humanity is inherently good or bad and I lied and said good because it was in front of the whole class.. he was surprised. He knew me. I use his joke, “alcohol has never touched my lips, I use a straw” to this day. We sat next to a new person every day and I met so many people and heard so many perspectives that I wouldn’t have otherwise. As a teacher myself now, I still think about that quote saying education is the lighting of a fire. It has gained more meaning for me as the years go by. The biggest thing I remember is feeling like a part of something greater. I felt seen, heard, and important.

Thinking about that year reminds me of the educator I hope to be. Thank you Bornfeld and congratulations on your retirement!

ASHLEIGH LEE, 2016-17(?)

As a junior in college I finally get what Bornfeld meant when he said “I’m teaching you guys what you’re gonna learn in college, just for FREE.” He was totally right LMAO. One of my most favorite memories with Bornfeld was after the AP test when we were all assigned to watch a movie off of his given list. The list had a bunch of movie classics and overall just a ton of good films to watch. I can’t remember what we were discussing in class but I mentioned how much I loved the movie Rocky and that Borney was happy that I was a fan of it. He asked the class who else had seen it or even heard of it and the entire room was silent. We both had a surprised look on our face and just had a lil teacher-student-bro moment. We both were in shock no one else had seen it and simultaneously were also disappointed in a funny way at the rest of the class. Always had such a fun time in his class even though the authors & lit works test second semester actually ended my life!

MELODY MIRGHAVAMEDDIN, 2014-15

I will never forget one particular day in Bornfeld’s class where we were discussing nihilism. I believe he asked if it resonated with any of us, and I of course unabashedly raised my hand and said that it did. I still remember the look on his face- and have since been reminded by many others- total shock and horror. I could not understand at the time why this was so difficult to grasp; and in my teenage brain, it was the perfect remedy in my endless search for meaning in this life. Some 7-8 years later, after the recent death of a close friend (and possibly a previous student of Dan’s if my memory serves me correctly) Augustine Mallinson, I have unequivocally changed my stance. It is only now that I understand what he meant. Thank you, Mr. Bornfeld, for challenging me a million times over, in more ways than one; as I’m sure you have done for countless students before and after me. Wishing you a peaceful, and meaningful retirement.

P.S. … I plan on visiting Europe very soon, just like you always told us to!

ZOHAL NOORZAYEE, 2017-18

Dear Mr. Bornfeld, 

From the bottom of my heart thank you for inspiring me to always give my best effort into everything I do. You truly have left the biggest impact on my life and i’m forever grateful for all your encouragement throughout the years!

Love,

Zohal Noorzayee (P.S. thank you for being the only teacher to pronounce my name properly)

JACK POLUCHA, 2015-16

I would say that my best experience with Dan Bornfeld was when we had the Saturday morning lecture on the Russian Revolution. He was so engaging and the whole event illustrates his passion for the material and for his students.

KAYLA RUIZ, 2014-15

On the last day of school we all stood up and collectively said “oh captain, my captain!” in reference to Robin Williams’ role as a beloved teacher in the Dead Poets Society! I remember Borny even teared up and we all left that period crying and crying. I also remember he sent out an email later that day saying how grateful he was for our gesture and how much he loves that movie and understood its meaning. He was definitely one of the most impactful teachers I ever had and I am so grateful we all felt compelled enough to show him our love that day!

SAHAR ZAHRAEE, 2014-15

I think about him frequently as one of the most influential teachers/professors I have ever had. He was the first teacher that encouraged me to consider the importance of my education in my identity beyond grades, career, and status. His class was always a joy and I was never again taught history in such a captivating way.

Mr. Bornfeld,

Thank you SO MUCH for teaching me how to learn. I appreciate your dedication to your students, passion for teaching, and unique take on European history. It’s surprising how much I remember from your class — I’d quote them but I’m 100% sure that these notes will be full of the same ones. I’m wishing you all the best as you start on your next journey and hope our paths cross on the way.

Best,

Lizzy Nguyen

Class of 2015

SHANNON SWANSON, 2014-15

 Dear Mr. Bornfeld,

 One of my fondest memories of all time (not just in school, but in all of life) is when we stood up on our desks and said, “O Captain! My Captain!” at the end of the school year. And then you proceeded to tell us that Dead Poets Society came out the year you started teaching–wow. Most people would be lucky enough to have just a moment like that: something so fun and rare and literally just like a movie. But luckier were we that we actually had a real-life Mr. Keating as a teacher.  

It was not until after college that I realized the full impact your class and teaching had on me. I feel the impact mainly in two ways: joy and confidence.  

Joy. In times of sadness, I find myself coming back to my love for European history and travel. I booked my first solo trip to Europe during one of the hardest points in my life, and wow was it worth it. Sometimes I listen to a Rick Steves podcast when I’m doing chores, and I am reminded of the excitement and curiosity I felt in room 405. 

Confidence. I was a little in over my head in high school. Sports, student government, volunteering, AP classes… if I had a time machine I would go back and tell myself to relax. I was overwhelmed with my schedule, my friends who always looked perfect and had straight A’s, and having poor self esteem. But when I walked into your class, I felt so confident. Even when I didn’t ace a test, I felt that I had a teacher who saw in me a potential that no one other than my parents had ever recognized before. I felt empowered to be my truest self. 

To wrap this up in the cheesiest way possible, I cannot help but share another homage to Dead Poets Society and to Henry David Thoreau. My story and those of my friends are but a snapshot of your entire career. And as you reflect, I hope you know that you have indeed lived deliberately, quite literally shown us how to confront only the “essential facts” of life, and lit the fire... 

 “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. I did not wish to live what was not life, living is so dear; nor did I wish to practise resignation, unless it was quite necessary. I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life, to live so sturdily and Spartan-like as to put to rout all that was not life, to cut a broad swath and shave close, to drive life into a corner, and reduce it to its lowest terms...” - Henry David Thoreau

Your student always,

 Shannon

Mr. Bornfeld

 Congratulations on your retirement! I really enjoyed your class and took many of the lessons with me to this day. Many of my history exams in college included a key terms section and you better believe I used your flashcard method. I truly believe you gave me a great base for the study of history. I went on to get a BA in History, MA in Museum Studies, and I currently work for a private art collection in Seattle. Thank you! I hope you have a great retirement!

 Katya Volchek (Class of 2016)

Hey Mr. Bornfeld!

I wanted to say thank you for a wonderful year of AP European History in the 1999/2000 school year. You made the subject engrossing and fun, which is a rarity amongst teachers (I can count them on one hand, including college and grad school...). You joked with us, let Mike and I occasionally crash your lunch, and most importantly, treated us adults rather than children. I appreciated it then and even more in retrospect. I hope that retirement is everything that you want it to be and that you get the time to pursue your hobbies and spend time with your family. You truly are a GOAT.

If you're ever in San Francisco, shoot me a text or email. Would love to grab a beer and catch up.

Godspeed!

Landon Graham

landon.graham@gmail.com

(949) 338-2629

Hey Mr. Bornfeld!

Congratulations on your upcoming retirement! It was a pleasure taking your AP Euro course way back in the 2013-14 school year. Your class was the first AP class I ever took. And truthfully, I was nervous going into it, the stories of its difficulty passed down to me from upperclassmen.

However, from Day 1 – you made the course so engaging. It gave me the confidence to demand more from myself academically as well as taught me to simply enjoy learning. I still have not forgotten what you told us on the last day of school: “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”

If you remember, you wrote me a letter of recommendation to attend Stanford University’s Summer Quarter in 2015. That opportunity opened the door to me to what I could achieve beyond Aliso Niguel, and helped me get into Stanford the following year for college. And six years later, I received my Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford.

Indirectly and directly, you have greatly shaped my academic journey for the better. I cannot thank you enough.

I hope my message is a testament to your quality and dedication as an educator. If I am to stand on the shoulders of giants, you are surely one who has helped me see further.

Happy Retirement Mr. Bornfeld!

Best Regards,

Daniel Chiu, ANHS Class of 2016

Dear Mr. Bornfeld,

Thank you. Thank you for your dedication to your students and teaching us about the importance of history. Your class was my first AP class I had ever taken, at the advice of my brother. You taught me how all history is intertwined and predicts the future and shows us so much more about life than just the past. You were able to take a subject that I was not a fan of (apologies, again my brother recommended your class) into an engaging storyline. And along the way, you taught me the one of the greatest lessons. A quick story of how you impacted my life:

It was the last day of Senior Year. Yasmine El-Tayab and I went to visit your classroom to say goodbye. You asked us where we were going for college. Yasmine answered with UCLA, I answered with “UCLA in 2 years after I go to Saddleback”. I remember you looking at me and encouraging me to answer differently. I kept stuttering saying combinations of “after Saddleback I will go to UCLA, I’ll be going to UCLA soon to join Yasmine, etc”. It wasn’t until I understood what you wanted me to say and I simply replied back with “I am going to Saddleback college”. And you said “Very good. I’m glad that you are continuing your education.”

To this day, I tell that story to everyone who will listen.

You taught me such an important lesson that day. The name of the school does not matter. Whether I go to community college or take online classes. It is the fact that I am continuing on with my education that I am so lucky enough to have. You helped me to be proud and confident of where I was going and to focus on my journey, not compare it to anyone else’s.

I did go to Saddleback, for 3 years instead of 2. And then went to UCI for Biology and graduated in 2020. Now I am pursuing a career as a PA after changing my path from medical school to PA school. And that change came with its difficulties and disappointments. But I kept repeating what you said to me all those years ago. And you, once again, helped me to be proud of the path I chose. Thank you for helping me to find my voice.

Thank you, Mr. Bornfeld, for everything you did and still do for us. Your lessons go far beyond the classroom and we were all lucky enough to be taught by you. Congratulations on your retirement and I hope it treats you well. Thank you. So much.

Sincerely,
Isabelle Nepomuceno
Class of 2015

P.S. Yasmine and visited Versailles in 2018. It was as beautiful as you described!

Borny - congratulations on your retirement! I'm just about to graduate from UC Riverside and plan on applying to pharmacy school soon. I wouldn't have made it this far if not for you believing in my potential and straightening me up in your class. I owe where I am now and my ability to excel much to you, so thank you. I hope to see you out in the water or the sand of San Clemente (I'm surfing out there when I'm back home); you deserve that and so much more! - Lawrence Tran

Mr. Bornfeld - it's been a decade since I last sat in your class, hoping that my blue flashcards met your standards. Congratulations on your retirement! You were never one to bask in the love your students had for you, so I hope in these final weeks before you leave your classroom, you're flooded with memories and messages of how much you've impacted so many of us (pardon the sycophants). I ended up graduating from UC Irvine with degrees in Biology and Political Science, as I hope to become a physician educator who will help bridge the gap between government policies and their impacts on patients. If there's one thing you've taught me, it's to continue working hard towards your goals despite the setbacks and to make an impact wherever you are. While I'm actively re-applying to medical school despite a failed attempt last year, I successfully wrote, lobbied, and helped to pass a California Assembly exception bill (AB-852) to unfetter free clinics from prescription restrictions that would narrow healthcare access to the uninsured. While this is one example, I wouldn't have been able to accomplish everything thus far without developing strong writing/arguing skills and perseverance from your class. So, thank you for being the motivational, dry-humored, high-standard person you are and for impacting as such; I wish you all the best in your final weeks at ANHS and your retirement! - Tiffany Tran

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Best,

Tiffany Tran

tiff.tran732@gmail.com | (949) 945-8122

Dear Mr. Bornfeld,

 Like I'm sure many others have expressed, I find it hard to express the gratitude and humility I have for you - a teacher of your professionalism and dedication.

 You may not remember me, but it's Michael Nepomuceno. Reflecting back over ten years makes me realize that I was probably one of your quieter students but I need to thank you for how you have been a catalyst towards the success of not only my life but countless others.

 I have always considered myself a student of history, but it wasn't until I took your class that it gave me a new appreciation of it. It gave me an understanding of history that I continue to appreciate to this day, over a decade later.

 I still fondly remember sitting in your class and I break into an open smile when I read something that reminds me of AP Euro: The defenestration of Prague, the 95 Theses, the Black Hand, the sick man of Europe, all of it comes flooding back and it has cemented into my mind because of your dedication to our learning.

 That there has been one of the most impactful lessons I took away from your class - that it shouldn't be about the grades or chasing that GPA, but learning for learning's sake. I've repeated that mantra over and over in my life and I have you to thank for it. Since your class and since ANHS, I have graduated from Saddleback College and UC Berkeley (where of course I studied history!) commissioned as an officer in the US Army, and have most recently been working for the State of Washington.

 Over the course of many years, people have asked me why I studied history and it is in part thanks to your class and the life lessons you imparted. Understanding the context of history, where we have been to understand where we are going - it's all been history and the appreciation of it. I fully love history at this point in my life and continue to share it with everyone around me. I honestly believe some of the lessons I learned in your class I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

 Mr. Bornfeld, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Couldn't have asked for a better teacher, second to none. I wish you nothing less than the very best and hope you are doing well.

 Very Respectfully,

Michael Nepomuceno

Class of 2011