A lovely message.

I've found some courage (with a little help) to make observations about myself and actually write about it, not just keep it to myself. I've always considered my role as a teacher to be about giving the young people the tools they need in order to progress and if I can impart anything else to them then this is a bonus. I've recently had a few students who have moved onto, university or different training, which is only a natural progression.  When they leave they often bring thank you cards, which of course is lovely, but what is written is really quite heartfelt. I received a card this week that stated the following:

"Thank you! Your knowledge, vision and wisdom have changed my entire world. I am who I am today, much to your efforts as the leader. Farewell mentor."

These word immediately made me think back over the years I have taught and worked with young people and actually that they thank me for being a part of who they have grown into. I'm completely overwhelmed by this statement (a little tear or two may have followed). It has shown me that what we do as teachers means so much more to people than we realise. It has taken me a while to say that I feel proud of this. I am not one to sing my own praises really, but if I have done nothing else I am very proud that I have contributed to so many young peoples lives not only in their dancing but in their personal development. 

I worry sometimes that I spend to much time wanting to be liked. I do find it hard if a child does not respond to me or seems to not enjoy a class and will often dwell on this. I've come to realise that it is not essential to always win everyone over. I need to be confident in the abilities I do have. After all I suppose I have evidence that people do enjoy classes and working with me. Those sessions when they don't respond though or don't turn up perhaps can be taken personally. I am learning to not do so and to look at the bigger picture. It's funny how something as small as card can set your thoughts in motion. 

Last little thought from Harvey:
"Sad farewells are given to those people who are extremely important and special. Keep doing what you do!"

A message for us all ;-)

Comments

  1. Barbara Olyus21 November 2017 at 07:49

    So lovely to read it!
    This blog post reminds to the cards what I received at my belly dance camps in Hungary many years ago. I always used secret cards and everybody could send messages to each others and at the end of the camp everybody brought their card home. If I have worse day, sometimes I just take it and read it and I feel myself like home. I left my country and I closed down my dance school and I started a new life in United Kingdom, so these card and some pictures and videos mean me everything what I left in Hungary with broken heart. Sometimes my old students share a video or picture from the past on facebook, but a few monts ago, one of my old student had very difficult life situation and She shared a picture about these cards and she put a comment like, Thank you for the beautiful experiences which helped me to stand up again.

    There is no words

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  2. Rebecca S-K4 March 2018 at 02:01

    It is wonderfully to be such a positive influence on these young peoples lives. I think sometimes teachers are in danger of forgetting how powerful that influence can be and tend to focus more on any negative feedback rather than the positive. I think for me its not so much about being liked but making sure my students are engaged and in a positive place. I have some very vulnerable students and my main aim is for the studio to be a place where they feel they can allow themselves the freedom to explore without being judged.

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