“Mrs. Rose, do you like Taylor Swift?”
“No, sweetie, I don’t listen to country music.”
“Well, she doesn’t sing country. She sings normal. But different.”
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Re: your comment
I absolutely agree! Those are the teachers I remember, along with the ones who expected greatness from me. AR or no AR.
Also, that book club you’re doing sounds great!
Too funny. My girls love her music, and I’ve become a fan. She has a few songs that have really captured teenage angst well–great inspiration for writing!
I think that’s really amazing and generous of you, to take on something like that. You must be an incredible asset to your community– and I’m glad that you’re getting recognition for it. Getting kids excited and involved about reading is an amazing gift to give!
I write full-time too–and having that activity and connection with your community I imagine will be a huge help to keeping your writing fresh and growing.
I’m looking forward to seeing more of your blog!
Amalia, Thank you, thank you, thank you. In a lot of ways I’ve chosen an unpopular path by giving up a steady income. I have no illusions I’ll be making big bucks someday. I also know that with the time, energy, emotional and intellectual engagement teaching requires, I wasn’t in top form for my students, family, or my writing. Hard decision.
That’s the beauty of the book club: I can continue on with my former students and some new ones, too. I stay a part of the school community, sharing my interests and skills in a way that allows time for tackling my writing head on (and doing laundry every once in a while, too).