Volunteerism: Not for the Faint of Heart

When I think back to my youth, I can’t help but think of the individuals who helped guide me and grow outside of the classroom. While academics are a huge and integral part of the schooling experience, so are extra-curricular activities. As a teen, Drama and Public Speaking were huge interests of mine. I wasn’t particularly athletically inclined. Though I enjoyed basketball, I had no desire to play on any team in Junior High. A car accident at the end of my 9^th grade year put me out of commission for Senior High Phys Ed. or the possibility of any further involvement in the gym setting. But I digress. On the stage and in front of the lectern, I blossomed under the care of Mr. Chafe and Mrs. Doyle - two pretty phenomenal teachers I still look up to and recall with the fondest of memories.

During my post-secondary studies, I knew that I would want to be involved in some volunteer capacity at some point. I wanted to give back to my students in the same manner as my teachers had so many years ago. Little did I know at 23 that my involvement would eventually, years later, lead me not only to my enjoyment and love for directing plays but to the school gym.  

My journey as a High School Drama Director began in the Fall of 2010. In addition to a new full-time replacement position, I learned that I would be taking over the role of director of the school’s theatre program. My time as a director has been met with a number of highs, some lows, and a gamut of experiences in between. I’ve had, these past seven years, the opportunity to work travel and with some of the best talent I have ever witnessed on the school stage. I’ve seen some pretty wonderful plays unfold under my care. It’s been quite an experience to watch young people reach their full potential too. Characterization, costuming, and attention to the fine details of a production are among a handful of things I have loved about directing. And Heaven knows that I love quick paced comedies! To say that my experiences with more dramatic pieces have fallen a little flat would be an understatement. You haven't lived until you've heard laughter during non-humorous moments in a play. At the closing assembly back in June 2017, the staff and student body of my school saw me break into a million little pieces before their eyes as I tearfully sobbed my way through my farewells to my graduating drama students. As the students who came before them, they will continue to hold a place in my heart.

Since the Fall of 2015, I’ve been balancing my time between the drama program and the cheer team at school. My involvement in the cheer program actually began in the Spring of 2015 when a couple of former students had approached me about being their Teacher Sponsor. I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was a little hesitant at first. When some friends and my sisters learned of my involvement, there were a few chuckles shared for: a) I am not the most graceful of creatures; and b) my background, after all, is the performance arts. I threw myself into this new role and did some research on the basics of the sport. One of the girls arranged for a former graduate to come in and provide us with a clinic of sorts to teach us basic cheer moves and stunts in person. YouTube, cheer books and manuals, and Pinterest became our “go-to”. As the months went by, we practiced, perfected, and performed some routines for school assemblies, the neighbouring primary school, and community events. With a few growing pains and hiccups that many teams undergo, I saw the team grow, develop, and come together as an amazing and cohesive unit. I’ve laughed and cried with them. It’s been a learning process I am honoured to have been a part of. I do have to say that the phrase: “Miss Pittman, would you please be our Teacher Sponsor? All you’ll have to do is be present in the gym” is undoubtedly the understatement of the century. The day I front-spotted for a group, I knew there was no turning back. I’ve been a bow and t-shirt making, cookie baking, taxi driving, and advice giving teacher sponsor. I certainly can’t wait to see what the new season brings! As with my graduating drama kids, I’ll miss my cheer grads and know wonderful things are in store for them too.

I’d be lying if I didn’t say my love for and enjoyment in my extra-curricular involvement hasn’t changed me. At the end of the day, I know I’ve learned as much from the kids I work with as they hopefully have from me. An unknown author is credited with, "Volunteers don't necessarily have the time; they just have the heart." There is much truth in the words. It’s been an absolute honour to give my students guidance, advice, and memories that they will hold on to as the years pass – just as my teachers had done for me so long ago. Teacher volunteerism is not for the faint of heart. <3