GREETINGS everyone. As you are aware, I usually discuss science topics in this column and I will be mentioning the best kind of science, but what I really want to talk about is “making a difference.”

We hear this phrase tossed around a lot. Usually we’re talking about our parents or maybe a politician and people urged to “make a difference” by contributing money to various causes or volunteering their time.

But today, I’d like to talk about someone who REALLY made a difference to this island. She changed the lives of untold individuals and by doing so; she changed the economy and the very face of the island’s culture. I’m talking about Dr. Lynn Raulerson.

Anyone who ever took a class from her knows how she could change a life. She was curt, brash and bullying and she DEMANDED that you perform your absolute best in her classes. If you didn’t, she had no use for you. A lot of people sure didn’t like her personality or her teaching techniques.

And yet over and over again I’ve heard variations on the theme “I didn’t like her at the time but now I understand why she was like that!” And we all (or most of us) DO understand. She made you work. She demanded your best work and there were many of us who tried our hardest to live up to her expectations.

So, how did that change the face of the island? She taught at the University of Guam for 43 years and during that time, at least 30 graduates from the UOG biology programs have gone on to earn doctorates, either as medical doctors or as PhDs. And that doesn’t even count the number of people who’ve gone on to earn master’s degrees in the field (including me).

I can think of at least five of “her” medical doctors who practice here on Guam without even thinking hard, and I can think of at least that many PhDs who are also here on island. Homegrown men and women who have come back to Guam to spread that knowledge around.

Now do you see what I mean about making a difference?

There will be a memorial service for Dr. Raulerson at the UOG Fine Arts Theater this afternoon at 4 p.m. Are you a former student? Did you learn the Latin name of a local plant from her? We’re asking that all her former students bring a herbarium specimen as a tribute. You should bring the plant in newspaper and include the standard herbarium card with the plant’s Latin and common name (if any), the date, the place of collection and most importantly, your name. If you want to include a couple of sentences of tribute to Dr. Raulerson, that’s fine too.

Did she make a difference in YOUR life? Honor her memory this afternoon.