Decades ago when I first graduated from the University of London,
Roehampton College, London
I worked some of my probationary year in a comprehensive high school coaching sixth form students in drama and speech.
They were not much younger than me.
Luckily, back in those days children were allowed to leave school at 16 and those who stayed on did so out of choice so I was in a room full of eager 17/18 year olds instead of reluctant 15 year olds chomping at the bit to join the work force as soon as their 16th birthday dawned.
In other words, I had their attention and it had nothing to do with my English accent.
I was nervous and unsure of myself, worried about my clothes, make-up and hair, concerned about what they may think of me. I really wanted to fit in with these gauche, teenagers,
But no worries, they related to me since I was all of 21 and they were Uni. bound and could see their futures in my eyes.
Many years later I find myself substitute teaching dual credit speech and English in a small Christian school.
They are very much younger than me!
My English accent draws their attention and since I have celebrated countless wedding anniversaries,
managed a large ticketing phone room,
raised and educated four children,
volunteered at the local theatre,
married off a son and a daughter,
taught Sunday school,
defended my faith,
served and read at the altar,
travelled extensively,
moved house once,
written two books and countless blogs,
hosted a homeschooling radio show,
ministered to aging parents,
made close friends and aged gracefully…
I have plenty with which to engage them so I’m not really that nervous.
Yet I still find myself fretting over my appearance, worried about wearing old fashioned clothes that make me look as though I got stuck in the 70’s, or lipstick that shouts grandma. I’m self conscious about the fringe falling all over my face when the whole school seems to be in agreement that bangs are passé.
But good news…
…thanks to Daught’s careful appraisal of my style and her vast designer vocabulary I find myself quite hip without meaning to be when wearing my favorite gear,
Baggy pants and Toms.
“Pure bohemian Mum!” she says, “loving the hair!”
“It’s my ‘just got up’ hair silly…” I say.
“Looks so good though! Keep it!”
Even with decades under the bridge not a lot has changed,
I still care what the student body think of me.
“Hey guys, it’s our favorite Sub.” I hear one of the seniors say as I walk through the school gate.
I guess that must mean they approve!
Well hello there! My name is Vivienne McNeny.
I am an empty nester exploring life as a Boomer…you could say I'm happily Boomering along!
As a homeschooling Mum I have finally quit the job of role model and mentor to my four children. I do what I want to do, eat when I feel like it, enjoy life with my blue eyed cowboy and clean my house once a month or so whether it needs it or not!
In true English form I write about the emergence of my true identity now that I can no longer hide behind my children as their Mum.
No comments so far!
2017-01-11 21:23:12
Whats not to approve of?
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