Adjust the Sails...

"The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails." - William Arthur Ward

I wouldn't be an art teacher for 27 years if I didn't enjoy working with kids, especially those that want to learn and create. Lately I've been discouraged by some of my students lack of manners and respect. Not just respect for me/authority but respect for each other. I worry about the "ME" society that is emerging and ever more evident in the students I teach. "What's in it for ME.", "What can you do for ME instead of what can I do for you.", "The rules don't apply to ME",... there are many more quotes I could write. Top these attitudes off with all the paperwork required of teachers as well as the above and beyond tasks expected of us and some days seem to get longer and longer. It gets to the point where we have to prioritize what will get done first and let the busy work go, let hurtful words go and focus on the positive. I love the serenity prayer, what a refreshing reminder that "The Will of God never takes you to where the Grace of God will not protect you."