Birthday Pi(e)

Today was a first for me.

It's National Pi Day. Not to be confused with the confectionary delight we know as pie (although I'm quite certain there must be a National Pie Day, as well). We're talking about π. The Euclidian geometric constant used for calculating the circumference of a circle. I never knew there was such a day, but March 14th makes sense since the value of Pi is approximately 3.14.

March 14 also happens to be my birthday. Working on my birthday is certainly no first. It's the rule rather than the exception, as it is for most folks. And I usually go about my business without mentioning the personal significance of the date.

Today, I photographed a math class at Statesboro High School where the teacher celebrated National Pi Day in her classroom with, well, pie.

I mentioned, in passing, that it was my birthday because I couldn't help but note the irony that I shared a birthday with Albert Einstein on National Pi Day. Ironic because math was, uh, not my best subject in school. And that's putting it mildly.

Today was not a first because I was photographing an educator who finds ways to make learning fun. The students also shared a slice of delicious chocolate cream pie with me. And I have to admit that it wasn't the first time I had sampled some goodies while on assignment. Today was a first because I got serenaded by an entire class.

Yes, before I could make my exit, the students, who overheard my birthday observation, all joined together and sang "Happy Birthday" to me.

"... Happy birthday dear Camera Guy ..."

So thank you Paige Sutcliff and all your tenth graders. It's tough to share a birthday with Albert Einstein on National Pi Day. You made me feel special.

Did I mention it's also National Potato Chip Day?