March 9
Has a teacher ever changed your life? How so?
Yes, but not for the better.
In high school, I had the same math teacher for Algebra I, Algebra II, and Trigonometry. He was a great teacher and I loved all of his classes. He was just so excited about math! [I realize I’m painting a *really* dorky picture, but it’s accurate.] He helped me choose a college… which, unfortunately, turned out to be a terrible decision… that changed my life.
In my first year of college, I had this amazing art professor. He was eccentric, wildly talented, and inspiring. I was so affected by him that I declared art as my major. Another terrible decision. I mean, I am an okay artist, but on a scale of kindergarten fingerpainting to DaVinci, I’m about a 4. If I’m being generous, maybe a 5. Actually, some of my kindergarten fingerpaintings are probably better than some of my later work.
[Not my actual fingers.]
I almost wish I had less supportive parents. I can tell, looking back [and maybe I even knew it back then on some level], that they were disappointed with my decisions, especially the art major one. But they supported me anyway. I wish they hadn’t. I wish they’d stepped in and told me I was making mistakes. I know it’s what they thought, but they accepted my decisions. Not their fault, of course, but I just wish. Maybe that’s why I worry so much about my kids’ decisions. I don’t want them to have regrets like I do. But as a parent, how can I not support them? That would make me kind of a bitch, wouldn’t it?
Apparently, I’m in need of a new teacher to change my life—for the better this time.
p.s. — Interesting how my favorite teachers ultimately unknowingly put me on the wrong path. Maybe I should have sought advice from the teachers I hated.
[Thanks to my lovely friend Marquessa for this 31 questions challenge.]
©2021 what sandra thinks
what sandra thinks 
I Took a peek through your online store. What is the function of the acrylic blocks? Are those decorative paperweights?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah… I think they’re just a decorative item. Thanks for checking it out!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s amazing, and sad, in equal measure. You could, of course, with your skills, enter that onto an excel spreadsheet, create graphs and charts of the results and then convert them into art. Sell the result for a small fortune and go travel the world! I look forward to your new blog Sandra’s saucy travel tales.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That sounds like a good plan. In theory. But… you know, I lack drive and motivation. I’m terrible with that. And I just feel like I’m too old… like it’s too late for me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Honestly I think the best thing you can do is encourage your children’s passions. Thats what these teachers did for you and I think thats great! Even if those choices didn’t turn out for the best.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree… but I feel like I also need to encourage them to think about the potential impact of their decisions. It’s great to follow your passion, but if it’s not going to get you to a good place in life, maybe follow something else, too. I don’t know… that’s a hard bit of advice to explain to your kid.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes for sure!!! My passion led me into a degree where I could do nothing without more university haha
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t want to sound like a pollyanna but having made your own decisions was a good thing. In looking back now, it’s making you consider your own kids and their decisions and that’s a good thing, right?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think it makes me a little too…. um… cynical? practical? I don’t feel great about encouraging them to make decisions based on more heart than head. But I don’t want them to ignore their hearts either. I think I focus too much on my past mistakes, and in trying to prevent them from making similar mistakes, I may be unintentionally pushing them to do what will bring them success later even if it’s not what they are passionate about. This is one of the reasons I think I’m not a good mom.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are a good mom Sandra!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t know about that. I make a LOT of mistakes. I wish I was more like my own mom. It’s not only things I don’t do as well as she did, but also even just her overall vibe/mood/attitude as compared to mine… oh, she was so much better. I have too many of my own issues to handle parenting well. That should have been a red flag for me before I ever got pregnant In the first place!
LikeLike
I don’t agree, but thank you for saying it.
LikeLike
Pingback: 31 questions | it’s over. | what sandra thinks