Staging Inspiration

Saturday night I ventured out to watch several of my journalism students and a few past English students in a school performance of Treasure Island. The cast did an excellent job I must say. It always amazes me to see them outside of my classroom showcasing their talents (other than English, of course).


My godchild sat amazed at their running around the auditorium, and the interaction with the audience kept his attention. There was even a part for audience participation on stage.

Of course, that led to me being drug on stage to wipe the deck of the ship as a sailor. My students definitely wanted pay back for all those stories I make them write.

I’d say I was a good sport, though I’ve been coming up with creative ways to get them back this week. (Cleaning my classroom, maybe?)

It never fails though. When I begin to feel as if I’m not making a difference anymore, and I’m not sure if I should continue teaching, my students surprise me and show me that maybe I’m wrong. Maybe that promise I made to myself after the school shooting to make a connection with my students so that they are comfortable to ask for help, may be working out after all.

I do have a particular fondness for that group of students. They were my first group of students after the school shooting, and they were just what I needed to be inspired to teach again. And though most have moved on to the next grade, they still continue to drop in, stay awhile, and divulge the secret drama of their lives.

So I suppose I’m not really going to seek revenge for having to get on stage completely unaware of what do while up there. I may even thank them for the inspiration with cupcakes. Maybe. With my cooking ability that may not be thanks.