I would have to say that tonight was one of the most special evenings yet here in the big NYC. We were graced with the Metropolitan Opera. I'm not going to lie...studying opera in music history was painful. But after this evening, watching the beautiful performance of Don Pasquale, I have a new born love for opera. A love I never thought would be apart of my musical palette. This piece was premiered in Paris in 1843 written by Gaetano Donizetti. The opera in very very short was about Don Pasquale and how he wants to punish his nephew, Ernesto, for not marrying who Pasquale wants him to marry. Instead Ernesto is in love with the beautiful Norina. The Dr. Malatesta tricks Pasquale into marring his 'sister' Sofronia (aka Norina). Norina pretends to be Sofronia, 'marries' (it was fake) Pasquale, then spends most of his money, drives him crazy to the point that he wants her out of his house. Then Pasquale allows his nephew Ernesto and Norina to actually get married. After 2 1/2 hours of wonderful music and beautiful voices I can say that my musical ear is content. During intermission I noticed a woman at the top of the stairs in a wheelchair. I was thirsty...everyone else was thirsty (this was 1.5 hrs into the show)...so I figured maybe she too was thirsty. I went over to her and said 'ma'am would you like me to get you a glass of water?' She was so surprised. :) I got one for her then proceeded to have a wonderful conversation with her. Her name is Shirley and she served 25 years in the service. She was stationed in Hawaii during WWII. She said that she has lived a happy life and that her time in the Army was 'fun!' I can say that I have NEVER heard the word 'fun' and 'Army' in the same sentence. She then said "You have the ability to make every situation what you want it to be." Such wisdom. I love it. We talked about Iowa, about my program, and about teaching kids. She then told me of a man who went to Venezuela and started a youth orchestra with kids there. I have yet to look up who this man is...but I plan on getting in contact with him, he's only 30. That in itself has shown me that much is possible over the next ten years.
Today has been a day where I came to realize that teaching and working with children is the most gratifying experience ever. I absolutely love working with the kids at PS 38. Second and third graders have such an energy and a passion for what they do. If they're going to try...they're going to try hard. If they're going to mess around...they're going to do it with vigor. If they're going to cry.....you guest it...they're going to cry. There is such a young spirit in this kids. They love coming into the classroom and saying "Miss Amanda...look what I can do!" or "Miss Amanda, can you fix this for me?" A little girl cried today (evidently she cries for attention all day everyday...) but I took her out of the class and asked what was wrong, talked with her in a quiet voice...and said "hey! it's ok!!" Her attitude changed after about 5 minutes and after a couple more reassuring smiles. I learned a piece of advice from a very wise person in my life (my sister) and she said that "You are in complete control of your children's happiness" Granted I have no children of my own...but I've applied that directly to the kids that I'm working with. I feel that it is absolutely necessary to take each child's home life into consideration. School is supposed to be a safe, fun, learning environment. I feel that the instructor/teacher has complete control of the attitude in the classroom.
So I believe that it is safe to say that I am in the process of learning a lot. We are exactly 1 month into the program. With exactly 2 months left. Needless to say I'll be working all summer to pay off these darn credit card bills!!! :-) but that's ok. I believe that it's all totally worth it. I have met so many wonderful people. I have seen so many beautiful things. And one other thing that I'm learning here...is.... Who cares what you do?! Who cares where you do it?! Who cares how you get there?! Who cares?! Be yourself...say hi to strangers (dont freak family...I only say hi to nice strangers...in public areas...like the opera) Take risks. Because what is the worst that can happen? Well...you could learn from it. Or...you could have an amazing story to tell the rest of the world about. So here is me telling the world about it. About what I've done. And what I have yet to do.
<3
A
PS
On a side note...please pray for the people and children who fight cancer every day. Please pray for strength in their everyday life. And pray that they continue to see the beautiful things in life.
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