I've mentioned before that the proudest moments of my childhood were not related to athletics or even academics, but to the arts. I was fortunate to have grown up in a town where every child had the opportunity to experience art first hand. It wasn't until I went to college that I realized not every student has the chance to perform in a community play, submit visual art to be viewed by the community, or take place in a songwriter's convention. I had these special and life-changing experiences because of the hard work and dedication of Janine Earney.
Ms. Janine was a role model to me before I was old enough to understand what a role model was. I always admired the way that she found talent in everyone and beauty in everything. She took the challenge of working in one of the most underprivileged regions in the state and showed students what it meant to love the arts. She made young actors, artists, and musicians out of countless youth, many of whom are now slightly older actors, artists, and musicians.
Although my career choices have led me away from working full time in the arts, it is a personal goal of mine to be a lifelong patron of the arts in a way that would make Ms. Janine proud. And for once I'm going to be proud of doing something athletic--but when I'm running mile 7 for Ms. Janine I know it will be more artful than athletic.
No comments:
Post a Comment