"anyone who seeks to perform at any level needs mentors and encouragement" - this is so true, especially for writers who are new to sharing their work. Receiving a kind word or even just a "like" on a piece that you have shared with the world, leaving the writer open and vulnerable, goes such a long way. Loved your essay and the parallels between writing and architecture - both involve building something out of just a few ideas.
Thanks, Diana. I never used to think about it, to be honest. I didn’t think of the power imbalance, either. Trust is kind of the default, though. I imagine when you’re paying that much, maybe you’re more likely to trust that your teachers are up to the task.
So true Julie! Perhaps especially as writers we need "mentors and encouragement. Need[s] supportive peers and teamwork and constant reminders that they[we] can do better. We all need each other. A little care and compassion go a long way."
I find your writing to be so engaging and enlightening Julie. Thanks for sharing the truth of your experience with such eloquent creative nonfiction writing❤️🙏🕊️
Great essay! Thank you for sharing the architecture side of you. I know so little about architecture, but love learning about it. Your students are lucky to have such a creative professor, who is herself always learning!
Thanks for reading, Sally, and for your kind words. I’m coming around to admitting that my “day job” is (mostly) all right. I fantasize about having oodles of time to write and paint and watch herons, but really, I do enjoy interacting with passionate, creative people IRL. (As well as on here, of course!)
Very Vygotskian! We learn through the mentoring and encouragement of more experienced/capable peers/teachers. A good teacher finds out what the student knows/can do and meets them at “the leading edge” of their current knowledge. Happy New Year and have a successful semester!
"anyone who seeks to perform at any level needs mentors and encouragement" - this is so true, especially for writers who are new to sharing their work. Receiving a kind word or even just a "like" on a piece that you have shared with the world, leaving the writer open and vulnerable, goes such a long way. Loved your essay and the parallels between writing and architecture - both involve building something out of just a few ideas.
Thanks for reading, Michele. So glad it resonated. It was fun to follow the muse from architecture to writing to . . . football?! 😂
You sound like an amazing teacher, Julie. And trust is so fragile...It must be so challenging to earn it from all of your students.
Congratulations on your Substack anniversary!
Thanks, Diana. I never used to think about it, to be honest. I didn’t think of the power imbalance, either. Trust is kind of the default, though. I imagine when you’re paying that much, maybe you’re more likely to trust that your teachers are up to the task.
Power imbalances are tricky. I can see how they're easily overlooked. You still sound like an amazing teacher, despite the challenges you describe.
Happy birthday to Homecoming! Love this story. 💜
Thanks, Mary Beth!
So true Julie! Perhaps especially as writers we need "mentors and encouragement. Need[s] supportive peers and teamwork and constant reminders that they[we] can do better. We all need each other. A little care and compassion go a long way."
I find your writing to be so engaging and enlightening Julie. Thanks for sharing the truth of your experience with such eloquent creative nonfiction writing❤️🙏🕊️
Thanks for reading, Camilla! And for letting me know what resonated. I love how writing leads to deeper insights. 💥💕 Like magic.
Great essay! Thank you for sharing the architecture side of you. I know so little about architecture, but love learning about it. Your students are lucky to have such a creative professor, who is herself always learning!
Thanks for reading, Sally, and for your kind words. I’m coming around to admitting that my “day job” is (mostly) all right. I fantasize about having oodles of time to write and paint and watch herons, but really, I do enjoy interacting with passionate, creative people IRL. (As well as on here, of course!)
Very Vygotskian! We learn through the mentoring and encouragement of more experienced/capable peers/teachers. A good teacher finds out what the student knows/can do and meets them at “the leading edge” of their current knowledge. Happy New Year and have a successful semester!
Thanks!! Love that PhD-level reference. 🥰
Good reminders, Julie.