It Took 50 Years... But I Finally Reached My Goal
We as teachers interact with thousands of children over the lifetime of our teaching career. My reason for writing this communiqué this month is to relate a collection of remarkable happenings that occurred after a devastating personal incident.
This year I am celebrating my 50th year of teaching and 35th year of operating the Miami studio. Taking into account the average number of studio dancers and additional students I worked with in community events over these many years, I calculated that I have had the opportunity to share my passion for dance and teaching with over 29,000 students.
Until this unfortunate event occurred, I had no real concept of the impression I made on many, many of these children and adolescents throughout time. Yes, like all of you, I receive letters and cards of Thanx throughout the year. And when a student graduates they let me know how the studio and my involvement in their education helped to mold them into a successful college student or worker. And yes, hearing from those students is absolutely the best. It is wonderful. It confirms every year why we continue to do what we do on a daily and yearly basis. They are the foundations that our passion for teaching and the dance profession is built on.
As many of you may already know my husband and I lost our newly remodeled house of 38 years and 3 cars to a fire this past March 27th. It is unbelievable, how in just one hour, an act of juvenile arson can change your past memories as well as your future plans. It was and still is a devastating and heart wrenching experience that has disrupted our life and our strategy. We lost objects and possessions that can be replaced, but we cannot replace all the family photographs, wedding and childhood albums, studio scrapbooks of my Mother's from 1932, videos and studio and personal papers that were destroyed. It feels like we did not exist prior to that unforgettable date and we have nothing on paper or film to prove that we did. All we have to cherish and remind us of our wonderful past, is memories and communications from family and friends. So with those in mind and heart we move on into the unknown future.
After the fire, which did get a lot of media attention, I heard from so many students who had graduated, even up to 20 years ago. Parents of former students and so, so many friends past & present communicated with us and for me that was so gratifying. They called the studio and the house. They left messages if they did not reach us directly. They sent e-mails, notes and letters offering their empathy or volunteered to help with whatever we needed. Some sent prayer cards to encourage our faith to go on. Others sent gift cards from stores and Sunshine Checks as a donation so we could replace some of what we lost. How could we ask for more? We could not.
Due to the shock of the incident at that time, many issues of prime importance to me had to take a temporary back seat. Involvement in running the studio, my contribution of articles for Dancer and the inaugural presentation of my Video Business Seminars all came to a temporary halt. It was a difficult but realistic decision for me to make. Hopefully you understand the reason behind my choice. I apologize to all my readers and subscribers for any inconvenience I might have caused and express my gratitude to Owen Goldman and Jo Hesh for their understanding and friendship.
Because sometimes we as teachers might take for granted the impact we make on our students, I felt the need to share this display of affection and caring with you. I encourage you to remember every day that when you step into the studio or classroom you are influencing the life of another. Whether it be child, adolescent or adult your positive presence and conscious caring really matters. As years go by, the students might forget how to dance but they will never forget the encouraging lessons of life that you taught them.
Finally after 50 years of teaching I received what I consider to be the epitome of a Thank You note. It was written by a grandmother, stated quite plain and simple, but everything I have wished for all of my students is captured in this one note. I feel privileged to share the text with you. It made me feel revitalized and encouraged me to plow ahead and continue to do what I love best. It took me 50 years but finally I feel I have reached my goal as a teacher.
Dear Miss Danie,
Well, Caitlyn has graduated and though she has written to thank you - I wanted to also express my gratitude.
These past years, I think there were 13, have been wonderful for her. We certainly don't foresee her future on a Broadway stage but, she walks with grace, head held high, back straight. She has confidence, self esteem and she adores music and dancing. She can stand before a crowd and feel completely at ease.
You helped to teach her respect. There is such a lack of respect in many young people today. She's happy and ready to "face the world".
Thank you so much for everything and we hope to visit you at your new studio.
Best Wishes,
Caitlyn's Grandmother
Please remember, we as educators are fortunate to be able to guide and assist students of all ages who are looking for positive reinforcement while in the care of others. They are searching for a place to belong and to be recognized for their contribution. If each and every day you take one extra step to encourage and praise your students, show them that you care and bring a smile of joy to their face...the world will be yours, just as now ...it is mine. Thanx for chatting!