Sitting out here in the courtyard as students bustle in and out between their events, I ask myself who of all of these students was I most like when I was their age attending this very same competition in Colorado. I can’t find the face but I remember the table.
It is clear that there is a division among the tables . . musical theatre students at one . . students who are cast in the current show at another . . rebellious students who defy traditional schooling in another . . and so on. I see the students that are gifted and charismatic. I see the students that are known to be smart but rather forgotten at these celebrations. I see the shy and struggling to find a table that will take them. I see the shakers and movers that are seeking to sit at the “prize table.” Who was I? Where would I have found a seat? Likely, it would not be on the talented, confident table – more likely the shy, smart and totally forgettable table. I remember wanting, more than anything, to sit at the prize table with the best looking, most popular, and most talented. What I would have done to be invited to that table and pulled into that conversation. Likely I was sitting on that “side” table – actually reading the schedule and planning my workshops.
I get a prime view of all of these tables. Students gather at my table that would never have noticed me in high school. Now I connect with an energy that was denied to me in the past. This has done two things for me. It does make me very conscious to find that “table on the side” and help those students, like I was, find their way to the main table – or at least celebrate the table that they are at – AND – for a moment I get to enjoy my place at the table.
4 comments on “The Table”
Do you no find it your responsibility, as a teacher, to bring those “forgotten” kids to the surface? Just think of the untapped potential you may be missing. As students, they are still learning. These sponge like adolescents are waiting for someone to help them. Now is the time, before they go out into the real world. They are still in high-school. So young. When I was in high-school, the best teacher I ever had, his name was Mr. Monroe, he was so passionate about the idea of changing the youth. He found it to be his “duty” as a high-school teacher to bring these students to their prime. What are your opinions?
I am SO totally agreeing with you. That is the very purpose of teaching. It is the shy and reserved that need us so much. Just a wee bit of prompting and it can be amazing where they go. – – – BUT as a bit of a treat – I do enjoy resting my legs for a bit at the table of those who have already gotten it and are running with it. I am up and ready for the task of teaching – but let me enjoy my can of Mtn, Dew and my ready successes. I really need to put my face mask on first – before I can help others.
And thanks so much for checking out my blog. It is a new baby for me and I get excited to connect with a reader!
of course! happy to be here. It is so interesting to hear this from a new perspective.
I am SO totally agreeing with you. That is the very purpose of teaching. It is the shy and reserved that need us so much. Just a wee bit of prompting and it can be amazing where they go. – – – BUT as a bit of a treat – I do enjoy resting my legs for a bit at the table of those who have already gotten it and are running with it. I am up and ready for the task of teaching – but let me enjoy my can of Mtn, Dew and my ready successes. I really need to put my face mask on first – before I can help others.
And thanks so much for checking out my blog. It is a new baby for me and I get excited to connect with a reader!