Memorable

“Teach classes that are memorable, “ I often advise teachers in my workshops and remind them that this doesn’t happen by staying inside the lines. There need to be unexpected bursts of color and surprising irregular shapes and a palpable energy in the room that lodges in the cellular and muscular memory. Few people will remember your Powerpoint— unless it’s a Youtube video of the Nicholas Brothers in Stormy Weather or Hazel Scott playing two pianos at once! But they might remember the music you carry in your body that you transmitted so joyfully to theirs. 

Today, I visited a teacher who I subbed for one day over a year ago and as her 2^nd graders entered, they said, “I remember you!” And went on to sing and dance the Shoemaker’s song and dance I had taught them. One class over a year ago, but it was memorable and therefore, so was I. I was touched by their remembrance.

I was also moved by their intelligent comments, their expressive movements, their musical mastery and their curious questions. And so I will remember them.

The poet Miguel De Unamuno wrote, “Our greatest endeavor must be to make ourselves irreplaceable.”The extraordinary amongst us do, find a voice so unique, so singular and yet so universal that no one else can duplicate it. That’s a tall order for us average Joes and Josies. But the least we can do is make ourselves memorable. And that means taking the great risk of wholly claiming yourself, filling out the full measure of your character and acceptance and popularity be damned! We are all memorable to some, but as we live more fully, we become memorable to just about everyone we meet. 

 

Just a reminder. Be you a teacher, a cook, a car mechanic, a musician— whatever you may be—be memorable!