Parents

One of the aspects of being a teacher (especially one so involved in after school activities) is the interactions with the parents. Probably around 99% of the parents I interact with are incredible. They support my program, their kids, they teach responsibility and help out so much. In short, they are great.
But today, I'd like to mention the 1%...
Every year I take around 100 students to Disneyland with the other directors and some parent chaperones. It is a huge task, but I am happy to do it. Some of the mundane tasks I have to take care of include room assignments. So, I put a sign up sheet on my door and let the kids choose who they will be rooming with. And if they have empty slots or don't sign up, I get together with the other teachers (who know the kids if I don't) and we make assignments. It's not perfect, but I try to make it work for everyone.
Tonight was the big meeting we have before the trip. During the meeting I said room assignments are not negotiable and things will not be changed. After the meeting I had parents come and ask questions and such. Here's the crux of it all...
I had a mom literally start yelling at me because of her daughters roommates. She was yelling how we put her with a girl who last year stole her stuff and she claims to have told all the directors and we did nothing. Just screaming at me. So I put my hand up and I said firmly, I need you to calm down. She continued with her rant- I said calm down. So finally she stopped yelling at me and I told her I didn't remember the incident, we get together and make the assignments, etc... She starts yelling again how we are to blame and her daughter can't be in the room with this other girl (btw, her daughter is a habitual liar). So finally I diffuse the situation and work out a compromise.
She leaves. I'm super irritated. This is is what I want to tell her-
Dear Parent,
I know you think your child is the only one who matters and I need to meet her needs and expectations- but take a look around, there are a hundred other kids here and you need to chill out. You also need to learn that I am much more willing to work with people who are respectful and don't yell in my face to get their way. You cannot intimidate me, I teach teenagers. All you succeed in doing is pissing me off. Instead, approach me in a respectful manner, explain the situation and I will accommodate you best I can. By the way, your daughter tells lies and exaggerates all the time. Maybe you should hold her accountable for her actions and help her learn the lesson of consequences.
So save your hot headed breath, don't yell in my face, and for the love of all I NEED YOU TO CALM DOWN!

My Yahoos

 So, these are some of my yahoos, what I affectionately call my theatre students. Today was the Region 2 Drama competition and we placed third against some incredible schools! As the region rep, I was in charge of the whole shindig and boy was it a lot of work. But it was such a joy to share this moment with these kids.

My favorite moment was after the awards ceremony, my students rushed the stage for a giant group hug. I love them.
I recognize that I am extremely fortunate and blessed. Some people spend their whole lives trying to find fulfillment in their careers. Some people spend years trying to figure out what to do for their career. Not me, I've known since high school that this would be my life calling. Is it hard? Yes. Is it stressful? Yes. Is it heartbreaking? Yes. But I wouldn't change it for the world. It's such a beautiful thing to witness these kids grow into amazing adults. And to know that I have some small hand in that.
So congrats to my kids on their achievement! And thank you for touching my life.

Purpose

Sometimes I lament the fact that my life isn't exactly what I think it should be. That I'm missing out on some grand something. And then I'm reminded, in quiet unassuming ways, that I am doing precisely what I need to be doing. That I am fulfilling my life's purpose.
I received a message from a former student today that really touched my heart. I am so grateful to be a teacher.
"Hi Parkes! I just wanted to write you a message to thank you for all of your hardwork, and to let you know you have made a major impact on my life. I have some awesome news, I got a theatre scholarship! I know that wouldn't have been at all possible if you didn't take under your wing, and teach me everything you know. Looking at how someone has affected your life after the fact is amazing, it all seemed like nothing at the time but the way that everything happened in high school has changed me into the man I am becoming. I hope you know that you touch so many peoples lives, just by the way you are so passionate about teaching, you inspire those of us who think that our lives are over, to do things never thought possible. Thanks Kjersti for all that you do. I am excited to come and see Charlie Brown! I hope you haven't lost too many hairs this year! 😉"