Encouraging Teachers

I know that I mentioned Dr. James the other night, but as I approach the end of Fall Quarter of my Sophomore year, I wanted to acknowledge some of the wonderful professors and instructors I've had this quarter.

First off is Dr. Eros, my Theory and Sightsinging professor. I'll admit, at the beginning of the quarter I was not a fan of him. Why? Because I was struggling. Because,f or the first time in my life, I was failing a subject. But he didn't let my tears and frustrations win. He worked with me and gave me tips and hints until it started to make sense. He showed me other ways to look at that darned Circle of Fifths and memorzation techinques for tonics, dominants, and triads. And eventually, I got it. Even though I was tough on him, he was kind and patient, and I'm so thankful for that.

Next is Professor Weber, my Piano instructor. She is so wonderful. Every morning, right at 8:10, she shows up with her little file folder and straw-brimmed hat, smiling and laughing, ready to help me with my not-so-graceful fingers. Even though I'm not one of the best students and I can't seem to remember that the bass note is a B rather than C in the 7th measure, she just keeps smiling and laughing and telling me I'm doing a good job. For her smiles and cheer, I am thankful.

Next is my Ballet instructor, Anne-Lise. At first, I didn't like her class much either. She was hard and the subject was trying- there are so many things to be thinking about, just concerning barre technique! "Is my butt tucked under, are my hips square, are my shoulders relaxed, yet strong, is my turnout correct?" And then there was the across the floor jumbles where I had to think about combinations and memorization, not to mention actually SMILING, for goodness sake. ;) But under all of that, my own struggle in the class: judgement. The constant questions like "Am I thin enough? Did my hair look okay? Why couldn't my arms be like Gina's? I wish I could dance like Katherine, etc, etc" But through all my tired days and sad days and joyful, bubbly days, she was there too. She was smiling and laughing, just like Professor Weber, and would hand out compliments when deserved. I truly feel like I've grown as a person by taking that class and having her supporting and graceful arm there to support, even from a distance.

Finally, my Taekwondo instructor, Mr. Miranda. I had him Spring Quarter for Self-Defense, and loved it so much that my friend Adrienne and I signed up for this class together. She's been my partner (at five foot and proud), while I "tower" above her at five foot, five. Let me tell you though, she's small but mighty. And Mr. Miranda put up with the two of us and our gigglings for two quarters straight. He even added to them! I'd be singing some song and he'd either join in or start saying the words to another. He'd give us jokes and metaphors like "Keep you EYE on the BURGER!". He'd point me out as the dancer when we started doing half and full turns and could see me spotting. He didn't mind mine and Adrienne's constant chatter or girly exclamations because he just accepted us as that way, yet saw that we were hard working and valued the class. His class was one I rarely dreaded, and only missed once due to sickness. I'll miss his classes next quarter as they don't fit in my schedule, but I'll be sure to stop by when I'm free. The best instructors have a way of keeping their "kids" around :)

There are a few instructors not mentioned from this quarter for various reasons. Some, I still don't know well, others I know so incredibly well that they deserve (and will recieve) their own post in due time. As for now, I bid this quarter and my last full day of classes adieu! And tonight I will sleep well, knowing I have been taught well. Thank you, to all my Professors, you are all inspirations!