The Play

Helping out with the high school play was an amazing experience. I was absolutely shocked by the way the students appreciated crazy old me. I am doing observations at a high school and my cooperating teacher is the drama teacher. I have attended one practice a week in addition to the try outs. I attended two weekend run throughs the last 2 weeks. I went to all three nights of the play and assisted with concessions. All in all, I did very little when it comes to the big picture. And yet, the students thanked me on the last night. The cast took their bows and then went through thanking the crew and all who helped with the production.

As the students did their thanking, I remember thinking how proud I was of them. They have grown so much during this process. These students have amazing talent and heart. And as I thought all of this, they said they wanted to thank the student teacher who had helped them so much. I admit it, I don't remember anything else they said, I was shocked. I turned red, my hands went up to my cheeks and I just smiled. They all clapped and smiled at me and then asked me to stand. I shook my head and waved both hands. They went on smiling at me and went on clapping for me. Finally they went on with the thank you's. I sat stunned. How sweet of them!

My kids were beside me and so was hubby -- we had watched the final performance together as a family (I'd seen it from the booth and back, it was fun to sit in row five to see and hear EVERYTHING). My kids and husband explained what the students said later. I was stunned at my impact on them. Hubby said the students genuinely liked me -- that you could tell from how they acted. I liked them too! They had said that they appreciated the one on one time they had with me. I appreciated my time with them!

Being thanked for giving so little has had a huge impact on me. I am reaffirmed that a teacher career is worth working toward. I am energized to continue the juggling it takes to get this certification. I am blessed to have had this experience at a time when I truly needed to be re-energized. After much reflection I think it was my belief in them and encouragement that these amazing students appreciated. I wasn't in charge of anything. I didn't train them to act. I told them they were great and what I liked that they had done. I gave them specific feedback and encouragement. I can't wait to have the honor of being a teacher. Yes, there will be tough days, but the rewards of being a positive person in a teens life are HUGE!

I'm grateful. It is well worth the juggling act of school, home, work, and everything else. I am headed to where I need to be. Last night my kids wrote thank you notes to the teachers and students. My 9 and 10 year olds wanted the high school actors to know how much they loved the play. They had thoroughly enjoyed the play and the backstage tour. I am grateful. Life is good.