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Bragging Rights

January 23, 2008 at 9:54 AM

One of my students won second place in SHAR's latest writing contest. He got $100. I don't know why I feel like bragging about this, since I didn't even know about the contest and had nothing to do with his essay, but it's always nice to believe you had a hand somehow in producing something good, no matter how indirect.

"Violin is the way I 'sing' and express myself; it is my voice in the world of music. I love to become better, and I strive to do so. My violin and I exist only with each other; without me it couldn’t make sound, and without it I couldn’t make music. It all comes back to just playing music and sharing it with others. This is why I love playing violin."

~Shane M.

You can find the rest of this essay, as well as the other winning essays, here:

Essay Contest Winners

You should feel proud at the feelings you have helped instill in your student. That is wonderful. Give yourself a big pat on the back.
It always takes me aback when a student does something outstanding, distinguishing, or otherwise original apart from my tutelage. It's as though suddenly I'm being made aware that they are not my puppets, and they thrive and grow of their own accord. Some of us plant, and some of us water, but the growth is theirs.
Emily - you should not be surprised. Part of your objective should be to liberate within them the talents and confidence they need to do what they want to do without you. You are doing well. Go watch "Mr. Holland's Opus" again.