Quote of the Day: What’s the best job you’ve ever had?
I’m participating in this blog hop hosted by Michael at A Life Examined. Visit his blog to read more about the blog hop, find other bloggers participating, or to sign up.
This is an easy one. I am self-employed as a freelance writer, piano and theatre arts teacher. In essence, I have created my own job. I was born a teacher. I played school when I was little. I volunteered to help teach Sunday School and Bible School when I was in upper elementary. I tutored students throughout my own years of schooling, and have a degree in education. My first formal teaching jobs were teaching high school English and German. Once I had my own kids, I started teaching piano lessons out of my home. As my boy Eric said, “That way you can still watch over us.” I have a deep love of learning and delight in watching kids learn, and interacting with them. Private piano lessons create a special bond between teacher and student as you work side by side, one on one, usually for many years. You develop a close relationship.
I also teach theatre workshops for kids in the Brainerd lakes area. Patrick Spradlin, theatre director at Central Lakes College, heard that I was trying to offer these classes locally and invited me to use the space at the college. Jean, his assistant, handles the advertising and registration, and they provide the space. I come in and teach the classes. We start with a story prompt from me, and take off from there. A couple moms described it best, “You give them the outline, and they fill in the details.” The next class starts September 17, 2015. The theme and title: A funny thing happened on the way home from school. I am inspired by the title from the musical A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. My blurb: What might happen on a bus ride that turns into a train wreck, or when curious students stray off their usual path? Could they find themselves in some other time or place? You can read more about the workshops here.
Thanks, Michael, for this great question. I look forward to reading the other bloggers’ responses.
Go. Create. Inspire!
Journaling Prompt: What is one of your favorite jobs?
That is great, get to teach and help kids learn and make your own hours. Nothing wrong with that.
It’s lovely, Pat.
What a great job! And it sounds like you love it.
Susan Says
I’d say you have the perfect job in the world for you! And I know you really enjoy doing all those things.
Yes, Alex. Thanks
I think teaching the theater workshops would be super fun! It sounds like you have a great job(s).
Yes, I do. Thanks
I really should look into teaching, everyone seems to get such enjoyment out of it.
Thanks, Michael. You did mention you enjoyed working with kids while umping.
I always wanted to learn how to play the piano. I think it’s great all that you do for the kids in your area. Keep it up! 😀
Thanks, Chrys. It’s never too late to learn something new. Find a teacher in your neighborhood.
Sounds like you have a great flair for nurturing kids and bringing out the best in them. What a great job!
You remind me of my mom in the way she has always given so freely to young people her life, yet in our growing up years, made sure to leave plenty of room for her own kids (loved the comment on that), and has created many beautiful bonds in the process. The kids in Baxter-Brainerd are blessed to have you!
Thank you, Roxane. Your mom, and her legacy, are an inspiration, and a blessing to many.
You must find rewards everywhere you look. I loved the movie and still snicker when I think of it. I’m sure the kids will have some great ideas. 🙂
Anna from Elements of Writing
A born teacher! That’s great.
Love,
Janie
Dear Mary,
Thank you for visiting and commenting on my blog post about best ‘job’. You seemed to have found the right job for your talents and personality. I am studying to become a teacher. I hope it will be as fulfilling as it will be challenging, since I am not a born teacher. But I think teaching is one of the best jobs you can have if you land right.
I have given you an extra link back to your blog, because you were first.
Best wishes,
Anna
Thanks, Anna. I’m sure you feel a calling to be a teacher, and that it will be fulfilling. It’s not without it’s hardships and heartaches, though. Those youngsters can zap you the energy out of you. And, yet, they fill you up as well.