…nor are the Dreamers
Sometimes things just happen in life. They are unexpected and surprising and beautiful and challenging. One of those things happened to me and I’ve been struggling to try and put into words what the experience has meant…which is ironic for reasons you will soon read.
A random series of events and friendships about two years ago led to breakfast with a complete stranger – a bundle of passion and energy who had already launched a full-fledged production company in Bloomington and was looking to expand the education arm of their foundation. That man was John Armstrong. The production company was Pigasus (The Good Catholic; Ms. White Light). He was (and is) a chaotic bundle of energy, passion, and excitement. At the time, I didn’t know breakfast would change so much for me.
Fast forward to February 2018, and I took the leap and became a teacher. For the past few months, I’ve been teaching Intro to Storytelling for Kids at the newly-created Bloomington Academy of Film and Theatre, and it has been life-changing. When I was first asked to be a part of this project, I was convinced it was a mistake – all the other instructors are actual experts in their fields, trained and confident. I am just a girl with a library degree who knows the power of story – and how your story is the most important, authentic thing you can give the world.
Now, two sessions behind me and missing my kids and my co-workers something fierce, I thought I would tell you what I’ve learned:
- Everyone has a story – and they all matter
- Teaching is just as much about listening as it is telling
- You never know what you’re capable of until you step outside your comfort zone
- You will find some of the best people in the world when you try something new
- Friendships formed through the crazy experience of starting a school are real and will stand the test of time
- You don’t have to be an expert to share your passion
- You’ll only fail if you aren’t authentic
- Actor kids and their families are the most encouraging, uplifting sort of folk
- You’ll see yourself in every single kid you teach
- You’re never done writing your own story
The tagline for Pigasus is “Dreams Aren’t Dumb.” And it’s never been more true in my life. I’m a dreamer: one who is pursuing her dreams in a bunch of crazy ways with a bunch of crazy people, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Dreams aren’t dumb. But neither are the dreamers. The people willing to take risks, make mistakes, dream even bigger, and put their whole hearts into something. So, here’s to the BAFT dreamers: John, Eric, Zach, Kate, Emelie, Byron, Amanda… thank you for helping me build bigger dreams and keep reaching for the next amazing opportunity.
