I had a great day earlier this week. It wasn’t without it’s ups-and-downs: I hit every red light on my way there; had trouble connecting with the party I was supposed to see; but once I got all that out of the way it was really a fun day.
Earlier this week I was filming the latest episode of “Classroom Chronicle.” I went to New Bedford High School to see Tim Mason and the students involved in drama club, show choir, jazz band and jazz choir.
It’s my favorite part of putting together a “Classroom Chronicle Show.” I could sit here and tell you that I really don’t care about being on television but that wouldn’t be completely true. I have to admit that it’s still pretty cool. I watch it online on my tablet, sometimes my phone. Oh, and I usually have a few critiques with every show: “You don’t know what to do with your hands, do you?” Or, “Why did you choose that shirt?”
The thing I absolutely love is when I get to meet the students and hear their stories. I try to get them comfortable and forget that there’s this camera in front of their face.
I’ve mentioned it before that one of the reasons I like working with kids is that they are so full of life, hope, energy and enthusiasm. In most cases they haven’t had the struggles that we’ve all had as we’ve gotten older. They’re healthy and strong.
I truly believe that everyone has a story to tell and I find some of those stories fascinating. My job is to make them comfortable enough to share it with someone they just met. They don’t always want to open up and I think some of that is due to the fact that I haven’t been able to build any trust yet. Sometimes I think they don’t believe that I really want to know what they think or feel.
On the next episode we’ll meet a young senior who really enjoys all of her activities including being in the Color Guard. I had never interviewed a member of Color Guard before so I asked, “Why is that? What is it you really like about being in the Color Guard?” Her answer? I was fully prepared to hear, “I don’t know” or “I like being with my friends.” Her answer surprised me when she compared it to how some people do yoga for a workout. She said she likes the precision, the work out and feels accomplished afterward. Cool!
I also like it when I can get the teachers to open up with me. I always like learning why they do what they do. Where did that passion come from? Why did they make the decision to choose this profession.?
Mr. Mason has a terrific story that he tells about his dad. His dad told him he could choose the more reliable corporate job and have money but little happiness. Or, he could be a music teacher and have the happiness without the big paycheck. He feels he made the right choice.
Stories. Everybody has one. I am so blessed when I get to hear them.
Do you know someone with a great story? My “Classroom Chronicle” show is only for the schools that serve New Bedford however, I do have this little blog and a podcast set up where I could talk about anyone. Let me know.
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