Thursday, December 07, 2006

School Daze


Whilst at my parent's house yesterday, and inspired by a recent conversation with a friend, I fished out my old high school reports. It was somewhat amusing reading my teacher's perception of my character and ability.

I never really liked school. I was the class clown and somewhat rebellious. Not one who showed much interest in anything other than art. I was quite fond of reading and writing so English began as a subject that interested me - but as my progressive reports showed, I soon lost interest when the teachers began telling me what I
should read and how I should write. When I look back on those days, it is the art classes that hold most of my fond student memories. I was fortunate enough to have the same teacher in years 7 and 9, who was very supportive and encouraging. I did not have as strong a rapport with my year 8 art teacher but she was still encouraging and recognised my ambition and dedication.

I had no interest in, or in some cases even a need for, subjects like maths, science, history and geography and I resented being in a situation where I felt forced to learn about or study things that I had no concern for or things I felt would not assist me in my future pursuits. It may seem a somewhat ignorant attitude but it was how I felt.

Art was all I ever wanted to do. As a child, I never dreamed of being a nurse, a vet or a ballerina like most of my class mates, I always answered 'artist' when asked that question: "so what do you want to be when you grow up?" My high school art teachers recognised this and I consider myself fortunate to have had their encouragement during those vulnerable and volitile years of my early teens.


I was also fortunate enough to have very supportive and understanding parents who, despite struggling to understand many things about me during my rebellious teens, (or at least that's what I thought at that age), understood my passion and determination. When I told them I wanted to leave school at 15 years of age they did not flinch, instead, we sat down and had a rational discussion about what I wanted to do instead and they agreed wholeheartedly. I left school on a Wednesday in November 1989 and began working as a graphic designer the following Monday. I stayed in my first job for over 8 years - five years longer than I lasted in high school.
I think that speaks for itself.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

alyou that is so fresh..
me too... my best school memories are of art classes
and teachers...cause they are the ones that
encouraged me to kep going, to try new things...

peace
m2c

Anonymous said...

That's great! I wish I had that sort of encouragement.