Grace like rain

Part of being involved in arts education is being aware in greater detail than usual of the personal lives of those you are working with. And with that, seeing the accomplishments of students who have endured not only their daily artistic struggles but their own personal trials, both their deepest emtions and with their relationships with those around them.

I rarely find myself in tears during a classical music performance. However, when I do, there are is some amount of knowledge that is not obvious about the performer or the situation surrounding the event. Last week when the kids from the Academy program at the summer SC Governor's School for the Arts gave their recitals, I had the privilege of attending 3 out of the 4 music recitals. On Friday, I found myself wiping my eyes as one of the girls in my building sang her sweet, but broken heart out.

Prior to coming to Governor's school she had experienced a tremendous loss in her family, there were multiple deaths, including her mother. I watched her during those two weeks, struggle to find her place between her friends who cared for her and her deep sadness and depression. There were some difficult nights for her, but when the last night of the program came around, it appeared that she had gone through the program with no problem. She gave what was probably the best performance of her life.

My tears were a mix of being so taken by her talent and a level of pride in her victory. I was reminded in that moment of what makes it all worth it. My roll as a residential life counselor is perhaps not as important to her artistic development per se, but I think that the nurturing of the spirit, which falls in the realm of my duties, is essential to the nurturing of the artist. I love my job. I love being a part of the artistic growth of kids. I love working with kids in general, but to see them excell in the arts, and continue to impress me with their passion and professionalism, makes it so worth it.

I'm looking forward to that same feeling as I watch the Discovery program recitals next week.