I'm just missing the horn-rimmed glasses

Several months ago I blogged about a broadcasting student named Thomas that I mentored though a broadcast training program, and Thomas and I just finished up this week. I sent his completed demo tape and critique back to the school on Tuesday afternoon, and about two hours after I did that I got a call from the school saying they had another student for me. Her name is Nancy, and I met with her earlier today and I'll start training her in the next couple of weeks. This is an independent training program based out-of-state, but I also have an opportunity to start teaching a real live broadcasting class at a broadcasting school opening soon in Irving. Gee, are the teaching stars aligning or what? I wonder if I have missed my calling.

I've always thought of myself as the worst teacher ever. I'm nothing like all the teachers that I loved growing up. They were semi-stern and I'm a pushover at times. They had patience and I'm always in a big toot to get things done. They had an ability to explain things in a way that everyone could understand, and I think I talk gibberish sometimes. But alas, the opportunities continue to arise. I'm not knockin' em--I'm grateful for the opportunities--I just don't feel all that confident, and since this is my online diary it's a good place to work that stuff out. One thing I know I need to work on, is being more firm in my direction and knowing when to communicate that something just isn't workin'. I'm always too worried about hurting their feelings. But then, being honest in a critique will benefit them in the long run. My boss, Patrick, is great at this. He lets me know when I've done a break on the air that sucked, but he never does it in a way that makes me feel bad. He just makes me want to get better. I don't know how he does it, but if I figured out what that special something is, I think I'd be a much better teacher. At least I'll have plenty of practice in the coming weeks.

If teachers wear long-sleeved layered tees, Colts jerseys, shirts that say "Keep Austin Weird", and clunky shoes that are often a half-size too big, then I've got it covered. Bring on the students. Just let them know what they're getting into.