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I WAS FAIRLY RESOLVED TO PURSUE AN ENGLISH degree and move on to who-knows-what until I met Raphael Sonenshein. He was intelligent and well-read. He was engaging. Yet, even more important, he took a genuine interest in his students' well-being. He among others convinced me that political science and then a law degree might be a good path to follow.
I was a shy, withdrawn wallflower. It was rare that I engaged anyone at what was then a “commuter school.” Yet Dr. Sonenshein went out of his way to teach me about political science and life whenever he found a chance. I racked my brain to recall a story which best reflects Dr. Sonenshein's lasting effect on my life. He was always there in ways which genuinely affected the direction of my life for the better.
Was it that I pursued law school and ultimately a successful legal career based on his discussions regarding politics as well as the role attorneys played in the political process? The Chuck Moshontz or L.A. Times pollster guest lectures, which taught me the joys of taking a side but evaluating it with raw data as opposed to sheer emotion? His willingness to always find room for me in an overcrowded classroom, knowing that I had missed the cutoff but certainly would stay the course and do fairly well? His Tom Bradley stories – Mayor Bradley would always start shaking hands at the back of a room, where the small donors were seated… There really are quite a number of such stories, which mean so much to me.
In the end, I think the most revealing story is this: In one class, after having worked at least a 14-hour day, I nodded off in my chair. I am a snorer, and looking back I most certainly must have fallen deeply asleep in the middle of his class. Sometime between my falling asleep and his continuing lecture, he conducted a class poll. I am certain I had no idea of what had gone on to that point, until he very gently inquired of me “Mr. Parker, how do you vote?” Seeing all hands raised (and all heads staring at me) it immediately became clear that I had conked out in a fairly disruptive manner. I pictured how offensive that would have been to any lecturer, even one of Dr. Sonenshein's patience. I raised my hand gently, he smiled a gracious and kindly smile, and the class carried on as I sank as low as possible behind my desk.
To this day I wonder if Dr. Sonenshein manufactured that vote to create a nice way to wake me without humiliating me. Perhaps the vote was serendipitous. But I will never forget his decency, on that day and many others.
I practice law now as the senior partner in one of the top 10 law firms in Fresno. Fresno has significant challenges in areas of education and poverty. I donate my time to community causes such as Valley Public Radio, Valley Performing Arts Council and other entities committed to improving living conditions here. Often I think back to Dr. Sonenshein as daily I deal with persons who challenge my patience.
David H. Parker '87 | B.A. political science Fresno, California
