October 29, 2008

nope, I'm not a teacher, but I can do this...right ?


all it took
was a tour
of the facility
and
a look
around the art room
and
I was hooked
~~~~~
completely hooked
on
the
boys and girls club
~~~~~
so
after a lengthy
application
process
3
written
references
{thank you kathy, chris and suzanne}
and
a
background check
I'm good to go
~~~~~
I start teaching
on
monday
YES
yikes
monday
~~~~~
if I said I wasn't nervous
I'd be lying
~~~~~
I'm not a teacher
but I've always loved children
who
need
an
"it's okay"
smile
or
some
reassurance
or
a
hug
or
someone who believes in them
or
says "good job"
or
teaches them that writing down their feelings
in an art journal
is better than
keeping it all inside
~~~~~
so
on
monday and wednesday
nights
from
6:30 to 9:00
I'll be missing
some
of my favorite TV shows
and
instead
I'll be with teenagers
who
will be working hard
to trust me
and
like me
or
even want to be in the art room with me
instead of playing basketball
or
playing games
~~~~~
so
it won't be easy at first
I'm guessing
or
maybe
just maybe
it will be
so easy
that
I'll find
that 2 days a week
with these
kids
just
isn't
enough
~~~~~
side note:
for those of you who have known me for awhile, you know that my heart will always be as a CASA, but due to the fact that the CASA program here in wisconsin, just isn't one that fits what I believe a CASA to be, I chose not be part of their program.
the CASA children, especially the teenagers I used to work with, taught me more about life than I could ever imagine or even begin to share with you here.
so this is my new adventure.
and
the best part
I can bring my camera to class and take photos of the kids
and I can teach them to take photos
and we can use our photos in our artwork
or
hang them on the bulletin board
or
they can just take them home for mom or dad
who just might not have a current photo of their son or daughter
because sometimes
that's what happens
*


12 comments:

  1. This is so great!!!!! What a wonderful way to help others and make a difference! I am proud of you! Thanks for doing this important work.

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  2. AWESOME Congratulations and best of luck!

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  3. OH WOW how exciting ~these kids will love you ~they need someone to care !

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  4. Right on ... I want to do that, too, teach teenagers to journal (visual, photographic, written) ... slowly getting there. You'll be great!

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  5. Yipeee! As the program director and "art lady" at my after-school program, I am telling you that you will LOVE IT!! Ours is on Monday and Wednesdays after school till 5 pm. Have a great time!

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  6. What a great opportunity for you and the kids. It will be the part of CASA that you liked best, I suspect. I think most CASA volunteers love the child interaction but hate the court and policy parts of it. I should put words in your mouth, but from reading your lovely posts, that is my guess. I loved the picture, I could almost smell the paraffin, I do love a new box of crayons.

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  7. Yes. Yes! A great big enormous YES!! to you and your new venture.

    To say I am excited for you is an understatement. To say that I am proud to know you is also true. I can not wait to hear more about this. I will be thinking about you.

    Oh, and one more thing.

    Yes you are a teacher. Yes you are. Oh. Yes you are.

    To teach you need skill. You've got it. You need resources. You have them. Most of all, you need an open, loving heart. Oh my yes, you've got it. You, my friend, are a teacher.

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  8. you go sister!! so proud of you....xo

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  9. I don't know what CASA is, but I do know Boys and Girls Clubs and it's a wonderful organization. They are very fortunate to have you in their ranks of volunteers. You WILL make a difference in the life of a child -- many children. I am thrilled for you and proud of you.

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  10. this is absolutely FABULOUS!!! you will be a wonderful teacher and my god are they lucky ot have you to open them up and show them how art can support them through their life!!! wow wow wow I am so thrilled for you!!!

    bisous, Elizabeth

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  11. Hi~ I have read your posts before and took a small break from blogging but am back catching up. Wow! The posts about the inner child are just beautiful as are the photos of the baby, your neighbors and your children. You are so very talented as a writer and a photographer. Then I came to the post about the art club. How wonderful for you and the lives you will touch!Ironicaly, I am currently interested in CASA (in ILL) as 2 good friends just became involved. It is something I believe I might like to do as well. Interesting...
    Take care,
    Patti

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**I love reading the comments you leave, as they make me feel like we're sitting in my kitchen, having a cup of tea, discussing life and wondering where all the time has gone ...beth