Teachers, tools, and llamas

This week was full of adventure. I got to observe a shop class at the high school, visited Blairsburg for the first time, and may even get the chance to see a llama competition this weekend. I am a lover of llamas and even moreso of alpacas.

I was given the gift of gab, not woodworking. In all my twenty-three years I have been a student in one, and only one, shop class. It was a seventh grade exploratory course. Please note: I was forced to take this class.

I struggled through naming tools, sanding blocks of wood, and making a feasible carpentry piece to pass the class with.

As a person with severe OCD, the shop at my school was a mini-nightmare. Sawdust particles everywhere. Add that to a shop teacher with limited patience. Not the best class to say the least.

My own “tool box” consists of a mini Phillips screwdriver, flat head screwdriver, and a mini hammer…

On the flip side, I have had the opportunity to visit Mr. Jass’ shop classes at WCHS two times this semester. Both times I have left with a smile on my face.

Wednesday’s visit to Jass’ metal fabrication class was especially fun. Ms. Nichols’ domestic skills students teamed up with Jass’ class to make squirrel feeders for Earth Day today.

I saw such great collaboration between both classes. It was exciting to see shop students showing off their skills and teaching others in the process.

Smiling faces, helping hands, and word of encouragement filled the room.

I also got to visit Northeast Hamilton Elementary School for the first time this week.

I hung out with kindergarten and first grade students while they colored pictures in honor of Earth Day.

HabitatYou Community Needs Specialists Danielle Ault and Shelby Tait-Staley came and spoke with students about what they could do to help save the Earth. Pick up trash outside, conserve energy, don’t waste water, etc.

I remember elementary school presentations where speakers would emphasize not running the water continuously while brushing teeth. To this day I still can’t leave the faucet running while I brush my teeth.

So good news teachers and speakers: kids do listen and remember the things you say and teach.

To all of you teachers out there: thanks for all of your time, dedication, and patience. It is amazing to be able to watch you inspire students on a daily basis.

If you need me this weekend, there is a good chance I will be hanging out with llamas at the fairgrounds, checking out the author presentations by Melissa Tagg and Chip Reece, or maybe working on honing my carpentry skills.

No matter where I end up going, I’m sure it will be another fun adventure.