"One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is a vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child." Carl Jung
As a young child I
didn't particularly fancy school and learning. The thought of studying and school work was just downright
boring and
insanely annoying. My vocabulary at such a young age
only included
one serious word: "
play"! The allure of school came in the
guise of
athletics. "Sport" was
everything to me. Throughout elementary school to high school I always had exceptional teachers who encouraged and nurtured both my interests and joys.
They really paid attention and saw where my interests lay and allowed me to thrive and begin to "like school" from that starting point. School = sports
Two paramount moments that really affected my sense of identity at school and really helped me to find
my niche and place were the following:
1) My elementary school Principal was Mr. Petrou and he was the most amazing and gentle human being who unequivocally supported my love for sport (I still remember his office having small carcass' laying around that he had collected! Ha!). He coached our school's Cosom floor hockey team. I was most smitten by his attitude towards my participation and encouragement despite being a girl. That reality didn't seem to derail his coaching decisions and ultimately, he allowed me to play between the pipes in the championship game for our division. As the back-up goalie, I knew that my chances to play were slim but at the last minute, the boy who was the regular goalie got suspended for fighting in the school yard and Mr. Petrou called on me to
start in the finals! As a result of his actions, attitude & encouragement, it made me believe that despite gender, working hard and giving a dedicated 100% could help you to excel. Mr. Petrou made me a believer and it was his influence and example that provided that motivation, surge & encouragement to participate in sport right through to high school. Before I end, I must share one of the most amazing moments of my childhood...As I mentioned, I was in goal for the final game of the championship game when after a hotly contested match, we prevailed over our opponent to win the division pennant. After the game, we were lining up to shake hands when I lifted my goalie mask. Some of the player's jaws dropped to the ground as they noticed that I was a girl! I suppose the reaction was one of shock - shock that a girl could show up and actually play some hardcore hockey!
Suckers, that was a terrific crowning moment of glory [I humbly kept my composure despite loving every moment of observing the player's reactions. I just kept it inside...a quiet monumental moment of triumph!]
2) My High School Guidance Counselor & Softball Coach
Through sport, I learned the fundamental values of commitment, dedication and a good work ethic. It is here that I gained a glimpse of what it meant by going that
proverbial extra mile. Mary-Lou Parissi was not only a mentor, my guidance counselor, and coach but a genuine and caring individual who I greatly valued and appreciated. Due to school policy, in order for me to be able to remain on school teams I had to maintain a 70% academic average. This was the "motivation" that pushed me to work hard in my classes so that I could keep my grades up to avoid being kicked off any team. Whether that was right or not is besides the point because eventually, being on various school teams in high school particularly softball taught me to translate the attitude of
hard work into my studies. So, naturally, because of my ongoing love for sport and dedication to specific teams, this attitude eventually translated into how I felt about school. I believe in the
taste of success in that once you taste it, you surely want more!
These two prominent individuals had long lasting positive impressions in my life. Their actions and words echoed throughout the years in helping to imprint and shape the individual that I have become and the teacher I am now many years later.
As a result of such positive influences and currently being a in a position of great privilege as a teacher, I have become a
huge advocate of providing ample opportunities for children to participate in sport and athletics. Whether it be a school team, extra-curricular intramural sports, or simply a gym class, outlets such as these can be
the most important vehicle in which life skills are planted, nurtured and grown. They can be sacred places of comfort, familiarity, release and extreme joy. Furthermore, it can be the place where self-esteem and self confidence blossom into beauty. And, these opportunities can be places where children realize that there is giftedness and opportunities for further skill development become a possible reality to pursue - a place where dreams are born, nurtured and given a chance.
Children find interests and places of belonging in school. Their "in" can be in any area that encompasses all that is indicative of school life including classes, clubs, and teams. My job is to help these students find success in whatever avenue they should decide to pursue in school but in order to do so, opportunities need to be provided to help them to discover what it is that captures their interest, joy and happiness.
There is no greater joy than being able to impart the same joy and awesome opportunities that I was able to benefit from as a young child to the students I interact with.
My journey in teaching is still
quite young and this profession certainly humbles me each and everyday. Many roads have traversed to lead me to this, the 12th year of my teaching career. Many uphill battles, tears, laughs, and incredible moments. As I reflect on my current state as a teacher, one
truth is foresure. I know this life...this career as an educator is without a doubt, a serious and demanding yet completely
rewarding and fulfilling calling.
