An Ode to a Partnership

Last week I was honored. I had the honor of supporting one of my former students in pursuing his passion. With his mother’s permission, I wanted to share a bit about this experience.

A few things that come to mind when I think about Connor: enthusiastic about life, a positive influence, kind as can be, and future fashion designer.

Literally, I would give an assignment last year and Connor would clap his hands and smile. Someone was having a bad day, Connor would be the first to pick them up. Do you know any other 9 year old would wait patiently for and carry his sister’s backpack at the end of each day? A phenomenal kid is an understatement. (His entire family to be frank.)

It didn’t take until April when my class completed their Biography Project where they could research a person of their choice, write about, and teach others about in our class ‘Museum’ and Connor picked Giorgio Armani, to know for certain that Connor’s passions but also talents lied in fashion design.

Which brings me back to last week when Connor was interviewed on Channel 8 and he asked me if I would model alongside his mother and another family friend, his original pieces. An honor indeed! (Sorry Lori, I know this isn’t the most flattering picture of either of us but I didn’t want to spoil all of the details before it aired.) 🙂

As I watched him in the green room, on the set, and during his interview I was filled with “Connor-like-excitement!” I wanted to clap and smile the entire time! But then as I watched his mother watch him, it hit me-this is the moment that brave parents get to experience.

Connor’s mom is a gem-who do you think Connor gets it from? But SHE is the one who didn’t shake off his comment as a 4 year old that he wanted to be a fashion designer as a childish joke. SHE is the one who has taken him to sewing classes. SHE is the one who lugged in his sketch book, easel, backdrop, and extras in for his project. SHE is the one who establishes the foundation at home that you can pursue your dreams.

What happens as a result? Connor shines.

His ability to visualize, sketch, design, and then sew on his own without patterns surpasses that of most adults – did I mention that he just turned 11! Overlooking his passions and his talents would be a shame. But how many parents are truly brave enough to actually encourage that?

I’ve thought about that often as I see kids who inspire me everywhere.

Like when I went to see The Lion King, the musical. The sets and the costumes were beautifully intricate but what caught my attention was two children who bravely took the stage in the middle of the performance. I thought about how I’d never have been able to do that at that age, but then I also thought about how much encouragement they must have had from their parents.

Or after watching a few Kid President’s motivational videos, I thought to myself, “Who is the adult who is helping him make this happen?” It’s indeed his brother-in-law.

Or if you’re an Ellen fan like me, I am uplifted by the many of the awesome kids that she brings on. Whether a president expert, a talented dancer, or a little girl who knows the elements at the age of 3. These kids aren’t necessarily all prodigies, they’re simply little ones whose parents or other adults are supporting their natural talents and abilities.

For 10 years now, I’ve been attempting to intentionally design opportunities for kids to pursue their passions to the best of my ability ‘on the inside’. (Play on the reference of schools to prisons intended.) 😉

But as I look forward to the future of Indi-ED and the possibilities that lie ahead, I look forward to working with supportive and brave parents just like Lori who encourage the potential of their little ones.

Because not only is the potential truly unlimited, but because it’s the partnership of multiple brave adults-teachers and parents alike who support the similar mentality that will make a world a difference in the lives of these little ones.

If Connor would’ve wanted to be a snake wrangler (if that’s even a thing), I would’ve been there holding a snake for him. It’s not about the fashion or the design, it’s about them and their dreams and I’m honored to contribute to the partnership.