It never fails to surprise me to hear that people are actually reading the blog, besides my beloved sister. This isn't an attempt at modesty, just plain truth. I'm always gratified to hear it, but sometimes I immediately check back to see what I've recently written and whether it's in any way incriminating.
I recently joined a community arts program called Seattle Music Partners, which tutors music to underserved elementary school students in the Seattle area in a free after-school program. I've been researching and looking for music programs here in Seattle for a while. As a kid growing up with some financial difficulties, I'm incredibly indebted to Hochstein Music School, a music/dance program that offered scholarships and financial help, and allowed me not only to take lessons but to love music in the capacity that I do.
I'm also incredibly indebted in all aspects, but specifically in this one, to my mom for this as well. I know she worries often about how much my sister and I missed out in our lives due to circumstances...but I've always been grateful and happy with who I am and how we have turned out...and I owe that to her.
But I digress, and really those words deserve a post in themselves, so...
We had an orientation meeting for Seattle Music Partners (SMP) this past Sunday, which turned out to be somewhat surprising for two reasons:
1). The day consisted of many presentations and other lessons, but also unfortunately consisted of several Icebreakers.
Deep down, I appreciate Icebreakers. I really do. And once I get into them, I often enjoy them and relish the fact they help me get to know my fellow compatriots better. And what other way are you going to get a large group of people involved?
But before that happens, I really detest them. I resent activities that force me to mingle with other people and to think on my feet. It's like a group interview for a job. Back when we did icebreakers for church, I used to show up late on purpose so I wouldn't have to participate. I only started to show up on time for the icebreakers when I was the one coming up with the icebreakers and making other people do them. Mwahahaha....ha...
I recently joined a community arts program called Seattle Music Partners, which tutors music to underserved elementary school students in the Seattle area in a free after-school program. I've been researching and looking for music programs here in Seattle for a while. As a kid growing up with some financial difficulties, I'm incredibly indebted to Hochstein Music School, a music/dance program that offered scholarships and financial help, and allowed me not only to take lessons but to love music in the capacity that I do.
I'm also incredibly indebted in all aspects, but specifically in this one, to my mom for this as well. I know she worries often about how much my sister and I missed out in our lives due to circumstances...but I've always been grateful and happy with who I am and how we have turned out...and I owe that to her.
But I digress, and really those words deserve a post in themselves, so...
We had an orientation meeting for Seattle Music Partners (SMP) this past Sunday, which turned out to be somewhat surprising for two reasons:
1). The day consisted of many presentations and other lessons, but also unfortunately consisted of several Icebreakers.
Deep down, I appreciate Icebreakers. I really do. And once I get into them, I often enjoy them and relish the fact they help me get to know my fellow compatriots better. And what other way are you going to get a large group of people involved?
But before that happens, I really detest them. I resent activities that force me to mingle with other people and to think on my feet. It's like a group interview for a job. Back when we did icebreakers for church, I used to show up late on purpose so I wouldn't have to participate. I only started to show up on time for the icebreakers when I was the one coming up with the icebreakers and making other people do them. Mwahahaha....ha...
When I heard we had to do icebreakers, I almost escaped out of the side door, never to grace this place or program again.
2). About 80% of the SMP tutors were...high schoolers. Later that night, I went back on their site to see if I had missed something in the program description, but nope. There were a few college students and a few people my age or older. But mostly...high schoolers. And yes, you might have guessed this already, but I blended in perfectly.
When we first sat down at tables, one of the kids would invariably start up a conversation and ask around the table "so what instrument do you play? and what school do you go to?" The first table I sat at, everyone that answered named some high school in the area. When they got to me and looked at me expectantly, I said: "Um...I don't go to school. Not anymore." I didn't add that it had been 8 years since I had last attended high school.
For the first time in my life, I wondered if I should start dressing more my age. (What does that mean exactly?) When you haven't really grown since middle school, you tend to keep the same clothes in your closet.
2). About 80% of the SMP tutors were...high schoolers. Later that night, I went back on their site to see if I had missed something in the program description, but nope. There were a few college students and a few people my age or older. But mostly...high schoolers. And yes, you might have guessed this already, but I blended in perfectly.
When we first sat down at tables, one of the kids would invariably start up a conversation and ask around the table "so what instrument do you play? and what school do you go to?" The first table I sat at, everyone that answered named some high school in the area. When they got to me and looked at me expectantly, I said: "Um...I don't go to school. Not anymore." I didn't add that it had been 8 years since I had last attended high school.
For the first time in my life, I wondered if I should start dressing more my age. (What does that mean exactly?) When you haven't really grown since middle school, you tend to keep the same clothes in your closet.
The funny thing is, I fit in better as a high schooler at the orientation than I probably ever did when I actually was in high school. I was such an awkward kid then, and I don't actually remember having a normal conversation with a member of the opposite sex until maybe my senior year.
So maybe I'm getting to redo my high school social days, somewhat. That being said, I did enjoy getting to know the other volunteers and they all seemed a very friendly, outgoing bunch. And I absolutely adore the student I'm teaching flute to. My only peeve was that we were all given stickers to give to our kids, and I got colored smileys instead of animal stickers or sparkly stars. Fortunately, the volunteer next to me was very amiable to the idea of a trade...and I also organized a sticker trading post where we could all get a roulette of all the different sticker types.
Maybe I should go back to school after all.
Maybe I should go back to school after all.