Into The Woods
It's so Friday! I did not want to get up this morning. I think I was Friday-tired on Wednesday.
Yesterday was pottery class. It's the second-to-last. I got a real compliment when one of the kids said that he liked my class better than another one he took because I let them make what they wanted to make. That's kind of how I try to teach -- I like to show kids a technique or teach a concept and then let that inspire them to create something, rather than saying "okay, today we are all going to make turtles." I think that my class looks like chaos to people who don't get what I'm doing, but I think the kids learn more when they're allowed to apply what they're learning in their own way, rather than when they're forced to do something their hearts aren't really into. I took that as a real compliment from the kid. :) This is why I love teaching.
I also got another compliment from my principal. She went to some kind of meeting for all the principals of the state Catholic schools, and one of the other principals complimented the art program here. I'm surprised anyone from anywhere else even knows about my program, but I'll take it. :)
Truth is, I've felt like a real slacker this year. Personal issues have definitely gotten in the way of doing my best, and I know that's not an excuse. There were a lot of days I didn't want to be here, and a few that I didn't even want to be alive. Depression is a nasty, nasty thing. It scares me to look back at where I've been this year, emotionally. Yes, a lot of external things have happened to push me down into that depression, but it's a harsh realization to me that events can cause a person to crack. Not that I thought I was indestructable... I've just sort of had this philosophy throughout life that as long as I'm still breathing, I can get through just about anything. That works for the physical, but for the mental/emotional, I've learned that yes, I do have a breaking point.
I'm so glad I haven't been a total failure in my job. I must be doing something right. I guess this just goes to show that no matter how dark the woods get, if you just keep walking, you'll eventually find your way.
Now I just have to get that huge commissioned project ready to install on schedule this June/early July, do my first group exhibit, finish my kitchen, finish the school year, do two weeks of art camp, and be Mom. No problem. :)
Yesterday was pottery class. It's the second-to-last. I got a real compliment when one of the kids said that he liked my class better than another one he took because I let them make what they wanted to make. That's kind of how I try to teach -- I like to show kids a technique or teach a concept and then let that inspire them to create something, rather than saying "okay, today we are all going to make turtles." I think that my class looks like chaos to people who don't get what I'm doing, but I think the kids learn more when they're allowed to apply what they're learning in their own way, rather than when they're forced to do something their hearts aren't really into. I took that as a real compliment from the kid. :) This is why I love teaching.
I also got another compliment from my principal. She went to some kind of meeting for all the principals of the state Catholic schools, and one of the other principals complimented the art program here. I'm surprised anyone from anywhere else even knows about my program, but I'll take it. :)
Truth is, I've felt like a real slacker this year. Personal issues have definitely gotten in the way of doing my best, and I know that's not an excuse. There were a lot of days I didn't want to be here, and a few that I didn't even want to be alive. Depression is a nasty, nasty thing. It scares me to look back at where I've been this year, emotionally. Yes, a lot of external things have happened to push me down into that depression, but it's a harsh realization to me that events can cause a person to crack. Not that I thought I was indestructable... I've just sort of had this philosophy throughout life that as long as I'm still breathing, I can get through just about anything. That works for the physical, but for the mental/emotional, I've learned that yes, I do have a breaking point.
I'm so glad I haven't been a total failure in my job. I must be doing something right. I guess this just goes to show that no matter how dark the woods get, if you just keep walking, you'll eventually find your way.
Now I just have to get that huge commissioned project ready to install on schedule this June/early July, do my first group exhibit, finish my kitchen, finish the school year, do two weeks of art camp, and be Mom. No problem. :)