…Here he was. Wise and informed at all times. High-grader, class leader, pride bearer. The escape of the principal on every occasion: her own degree exams, announced inspections, special visits… — No matter what class we were attending, the moment the VIP entered the room, everything changed. Biology, Math or Grammar? The next question after the visitor had taken his seat in the back of the classroom was the same: “Dearly beloved pupils, what is the name of our country?” We…