5.06.2010
I don't normally write up a blog post as to the reasoning behind me taking a half day from work. Why should you care, and why should I write it up? Exactly :) Today is a special exception though.
I think all of us have had a teacher that impacted our lives. Some have simply encouraged us to be all we can be, others completely blew away our notions of how the world works. My case involves an orchestra director named Mrs. Kille. She not only encouraged me to be all that I could be, but also helped me grow as a person, a musician, and a teacher.
Some of you know that I was a music education major prior to joining Comcast. I've been playing Cello for 16 years, and teach Violin, Viola, and Bass (beginners only). I also have a penchant for percussion (marimbas are sexy). Music is a huge part of my life!
Mrs. Kille is the reason I am able to fill you guys in on how stuff works. Her unique teaching style and fun attitude made learning easy as pie. It made me want to teach others. While my music teaching career didn't pan out (no money, no jobs), I fell back on my other love in life... Technology.
ANYWAY, here I am present day teaching you fine folks about the complexities of cable, the trials and tribulations of computers, and having a whole heck of a lot of fun in the process. I hope you're having some fun too :) I hope to be teaching for a long time, be it online or in a classroom. The impact you make on a person's life when you teach is huge. Teach your students well, and they'll remember you for it.
SO, Mrs. Kille, you rock my socks. You're the reason I'm the person I am today. You've taught so many, given so much of yourself, and carried on in the face of budget cuts, personal losses, and anything else life threw at you. Your passion for music is reflected in all of the students who had the pleasure of being taught by you, and they pass that passion on to their students, children, neighbors, customers, co-workers, and anyone who carries a tune in their heart.
When I sit at your final Spring concert this evening, I'll remember playing all of the corny Christmas music, the 7am rehearsals, the crazy jam sessions, teaching you how to use the computer (do you still have the 18 zillion sticky notes?), and most importantly the passion you displayed day after day for well over 30 years.
Here's to you, Sue.
Got a story about a teacher who changed your life? Let the world know below!
Now, of course I know that's not true, but that's just to explain the scare this post gave me. I am a music education major myself and heavily into technology (particularly internet gaming) and have recently decided not to pursue teaching as a career for multiple personal reasons. I play percussion myself, along with a multitude of other instruments such as the clarinet, piano, guitar, and bass guitar.
To stay on topic of your original blog, my band teacher in high school is the person who's had one of the biggest impacts on my life. He really believed in me and made me feel strong and capable. I accomplished a lot in my life due to him and he always helped me to continue recognizing and pursuing my dreams. While I may not want to go into the same line of work as him, his positive influence in my life will always travel with me throughout the rest of my years. He will always be like a second father to me.
Ever notice how many techy people have played or still play instruments? The connection between the two is strong. Now, if I could only do math with numbers instead of music notes! :)