By Staff
The two nuns were of different orders - one wore all white and the other black.
While I was in college many orders of sisters who taught changed out of their habits into regular clothes, well pretty sedated clothes. Most kept their hair short.
My first two years, as were my high school days, were under the direction of Adrian Dominicans.
My first two years of art classes at St. Dominic's College under Sister Damien (Schultz) were both heaven and well you know. She was a huge imposing woman and commanded complete authority.
She made the art classes all start at 8 a.m., so we would be fresh. If you can remember your college days, you really wanted to arrange your schedule so you could sleep in late, or at least have a few days with no classes at all. I had neither.
I never learned so much from any other teacher in all my school days.
An extremely talented artist, she inspired all of us.
Though she ruled with an iron fist, we also felt she was interested in our lives and we loved her for it.
In one jewelry making class I voiced I wanted to make matching rings for my boyfriend and myself. Knowing this, she integrated it into the assignment as part of the class and grade.
I made wood sculptures using a band saw and large pots in ceramic class.
She had high standards and forced us to live up to them, but she encouraged our creativity.
Her contrast was my teacher for my last two years at Mundelein College (now part of Loyola). She specialized in watercolor.
Unfortunately from her I remember that she didn't like my style and really wanted me to paint like she did.
I remember feeling deflated when my paintings weren't chosen as good enough for the art show. it took me years to realize they were good, they just weren't her taste.
Later hanging in my home, those paintings are my favorites.
I heard the other day young adults are inspired by adults other than there parents.
Sometimes teachers fulfill this role, but other interested adults can also be the ones to inspire. We all can be mentors just by showing some interest in a neighbor or friend's child.
I do hope the few really bad people in the world haven't ruined all the good relationships between a teacher and child, or coach.
Parents are busier than ever and besides, children don't want to hear their parent's views.
I was inspired to go for an art major because our Avon lady always admired my drawing when she come over. She built me up in a way my parents never could.
When the opportunity affords take a moment to encourage that nephew, or niece. Ask your next door neighbor to show you how well they can hit the ball. So to the science fair and let a child explain the project. You might be surprised - they will remember.