Inspiration Fridays! What I Learned from Being Dramatic
What I Learned from Being Dramatic
Everyone is all signed up for the Learning to See Course and it starts this Monday! So… I’m turning over the writing of this week’s Inspiration Friday to my friend and art coach Robyn (Feral Nifty)…
I was invited back for my favourite teacher’s retirement party, 15 years after my graduation. The invitation, (though not from him) confirmed what I already knew, we were close and I was one of his favourite students.
“The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery” – Mark Van Doren
We’ve all had a teacher that we valued beyond any other. One of the main reasons for our continued adoration is the way they taught us to appreciate our own value. This was the case with my High school drama teacher. Time had passed, but of course, I would travel the 14 hours to attend.
The revelry took place among the dusty-pink tables of our old school’s cafeteria adjacent to the noble stage. Here the curtains wide…. was the very place he had taught me commedia dell’arte, Shakespeare, and directed me in a box set of musicals. There was no shortage of attendees… Thespians flamboyantly upstaged each other, all while celebrating 20+ years of song, dance, and high-school drama. There were some familiar faces but many I had never seen. (at least out of stage make-up)
It was only then, looking out over the diverse congregation, from my choice place by the veggie platter…. that I realized I wasn’t the only one here that was special. Hundreds of students had been guided by Mr. Anderson’s commitment and creativity to the discovery of how special they were. It was Mr. Anderson and his teaching that was truly special.
As the party degenerated into obtuse monologues and lengthy improv, I reflected on his incredible life’s work. He had touched so many. I stood there absolutely loving that I wasn’t special in being special.
“Inspiration lives in all of us, in our ideas, and in our passion.” – Gabriel Lipper
Why do we love what we love? Why do we pursue the paths we do?
It’s often because we find the right teacher. They show us how to love what we learn. A good teacher can tap the wells of passion. A bad one can drown you in discontent.
Knowledge, excitement, and assurance are some of the greatest gifts you can be given or give. Finding that teacher, (or being that someone) is a pursuit that will not just change your work but also change your life.