Wow

As a teacher at an arts-focused school, I get asked all the time by my students if I am going to attend their such-and-such concert. Guitar concert, percussion concert, dance concert, band concert, choir concert, play, musical, etc. Since we also have sports like any other school, I also get asked if I am going to attend their such-and-such game. Basketball game, soccer game, baseball game, volleyball game, swim meet, softball game, etc.

I am usually up for one big event or game per semester. I realize that's not a lot, but it can be difficult to go home after a long day of teaching and then find the energy to return to school an hour or so later to interact again with students and their parents. But tonight was the night.

Tonight I attended the Winter Dance Concert at my school. It was simply amazing. Students who are timid and lack confidence in my class were bold, powerful and graceful on the stage. Students who struggled mightily to pass my class had choreographed and performed entire numbers. The music was pulsing; the movements were fluid; the timing was impeccable; the performers were inspiring--and they were just teenagers.

Tonight is why I love my job.