When we look back on our childhood and the teachers we had in school, we probably can split them into 2 different categories. Some of them were kind and treated their students with a gentle way of teaching and others were tough and strict. Most of us probably don’t look at those who were strict as being our favorites but we would have to admit that they influenced us in one way or another.
That was the case with Jim O’Connor. He is a math teacher and in order to control the classroom, he brought in much of his experience as a Vietnam veteran. In fact, it was easy to see when you looked at him. Between his military-style haircut and his sharp eye that scanned the classroom, it was something that most students feared. One thing is certain, the students in his class were not going to get away with anything while he was in charge.
Jim is an algebra and calculus teacher at St. Francis High School in California. When he teaches a classroom of teenage boys, he is known for being strict. That is why they were shocked when they learned about his nickname outside of school.
Jim is known as the ‘baby whisperer’ in his off hours. He volunteers at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles as an infant cuddler and he has held that honor for 20 years.
Jim first started helping out at the hospital when he was donating blood. Since that time, he has gained a reputation as a gentle and devoted volunteer.
Jim started noticing the children who were sick and wanted to know how he could help. He had never married or had children but he discovered he was a natural at cradling babies.
He loves rocking, walking and feeding them and he throws himself into the work. All of the staff at the hospital loves Jim and even the youngsters seem naturally attracted to him.
You can watch Jim interact with the children in this video: