This isn't a me boasting post. This is a me proving to myself that what I do here is worthwhile, is touching lives and doing all the things I set out to do in this teaching life ... bottom line ... inspire. Over the ten years or so I've been involved in various levels of teaching, I've bonded with various students and been very aware of my place in their journey. They've been warm and open (like me) and sent nice comm's of thanks etc. It's always a lovely thing ... but in this current mode of teaching and student learning, when we're so up against it with mental health strains and their not being able to be engaged in the work they signed up for (filming), to receive this email is a massive boost to one's confidence (I suffer from imposter complex! Yes. No... I really do!!):-
Hi Ian,
Finally got a spare moment to write you an email - just wanted to thank you for the script portfolio feedback. It was wonderfully positive and very validating, just generally pleasant to hear. My confidence isn't always the best but I've been doing quite well recently and comments like yours are really helpful for building the necessary groundwork I need to push forwards through uni and beyond! I appreciate that you enjoyed my scripts and the notes you gave for improvements as well.
Rest assured it's been a pleasure being taught by you so far, and I look forward to the (intimidating) workload we all have before us. I've never been as engaged with education as I am at UAL, and it's very much thanks to you and all the stellar tutors and staff. I feel a level of passion for what I'm doing that I've lacked throughout my life, and a level of genuine hope for my future that I thought would never arrive.
Keep the faith!
LC
Keep the faith is a sign off I use a lot in emails to students and staff like. It's a Northern Soul catchphrase from my way back days as a soul-boy Mod, dancing at all-nighters in Wigan Casino. What would that lad back then have made of this teacher bloke in the here and now ...? Oh ... we've been there haven't we ;)
As I said in an earlier post, my old English teacher at school, Mr Bell ... he always went the extra mile, in a very human way, and made such a difference to me as a young lad, then as a young man ... and I've reconnected with him this last year, so even now as an auld gadgie I'm moved by his inspiration. I'm writing a novel at the moment on his instigation ... just the same as when he got me to write one at 15! Point being ... if we're not here doing this to make a difference, then why bother doing it at all???
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