Why the Ice Queen loves teaching...

For people who don't know me very well (or at all), I come off as an icy bitch. I'm not very friendly. I'll scowl at people who stare at me. And I'll give the "Asian death stare" more times to one person in the mall than most asians do to everyone the whole week. I don't like being approached. I hate stupidity and ignorance. But worst of all, I'm jaded and don't think people deserve any credit for just being themselves. To me, you have to prove who you are; you don't just simply exist.

On the other hand, those who know me find me to be warm, sweet, compassionate, silly, playful, and intelligent. It's funny. Sometimes, I wonder how or why my friends got to be my friends in the first place if I'm so stand-offish to begin with. I once asked my guy friends if I was intimidating when they first met me. They all said they were scared of me (including my boyfriends!) Go figure... I guess I'm happy with the arrangement, though. I keep a very small circle of friends and I know all of them are there because not only are they good people, but they are real friends (meaning the guys don't want to get into my pants and the girls aren't out to fuck me over).

So why does the Ice Queen love teaching if she never smiles or laughs? Well, all that stuff I said earlier is reserved specifically for adults... I treat kids completely differently. Kids are open to learning - they thirst for knowledge. They haven't become true assholes - (they may be sensitive or needy, but they are not unbearable as long as you're willing to give them the attention that they desire). I really love teaching kids. It makes me happy to see them learn and get excited about learning. And it gives me a chance to be a role model, and all kids need good role models these days. I'm just glad I have a chance to impact these kids' lives in a positive way. :)

So, on Saturday, I went to teach lessons and the school I work at had a new student for me - a 5 y/o girl named Emma. Her dad came into the lesson to make sure things ran smoothly and I taught her how to handle and treat her instrument, hold the violin, and hold the bow - a lot for a 30 minute lesson! Anyway, I was teaching her to hold the violin using a pedagogical game called "Statue of Liberty" - Step 1 is where you hold the violin out in front of you like the Statue of Liberty holds her torch. So, here are some of the funniest moments:

Me: We're going to call this the Statue of Liberty! Do you know what the Statue of Liberty is?

Her: A statue. (Awwwwwwwwwwwwww. How freaking cute is that?!)

Me: *laughs* Yes, the Statue of Liberty IS a statue - very good! Do you know what the Statue of Liberty does? (I'm expecting a response like "holds a torch")

Her: Represents freedom. (WTF? She's 5 y/o! I was so amazed and surprised by this! LOL)

Me: Wow! That's a much deeper answer than I expected from a 5 y/o! Wow! You're so smart! I wish I could be as smart as you one day! :D

Her: *giggles*

Me: *referring back to the Statue of Liberty pose* So, who are you? (expecting "The Statue of Liberty")

Her: Emma.


How could you not be happy when you work with kids like this? :)