Today we had to have our first drafts of a project that we're doing. It's a promotional post card. First we pinned them all up on the wall and he asked us for comments. Then he sat down with each of us semi-privately and gave us individual critiques. I sit near the front of the room, so I heard what he said to everyone.
He is so kind and so positive. He has such high performance standards that it's a bit intimidating, but when you experience his critique, it's so positive and uplifting... many, many bosses and teachers (and spouses) could learn from him.
With EACH person, he started out by praising something about their work. And not just, "This is good," but (enthusiastically, marveling at the work), "I love the way you did this and that, these colors are absolutely perfect. The way you designed the type here was so clever and really fit the topic." (stuff like that) With mine, he praised endlessly my cleverness, my creativity, "I LOVE this, I LOVE that"... BUT lest you think he is just blowing sunshine up your shorts, he ALWAYS followed with specific suggestions for making the piece better. "I think this pattern here is absolutely terrific, but you could improve the way you positioned the type. If you did this and that, I think it would look 100% better and enhance the drawing" yaddayaddayadda. He did this with everyone. And then concluded with, "On Wednesday, bring me three more drawings where you solve the problem of type placement" (or something). Not: "Do this over, it's not good enough..." but "Will you do me a favor and bring ME another version of this-- I know it will be terrific."
Naturally some students didn't have their work. He did not scold them or really even comment, even though we all know they'll lose points for that. He simply said, "Okay. Bring it Wednesday." And went on to the next person.
Holy cow. Could he be this kind and considerate (and yet still have standards) in private life?
I'm glad I have the whole semester to observe him. And he teaches at least two more classes that I can take. Then I can take this one over. LOL! (If I haven't cracked the case by then!)
I'm actually liking getting up early. My sunrise light woke me up this morning and I sat up in bed, doggies still sound asleep, and scribbled down a poem. Lovely.
I'm so happy being here on my own. I can hardly describe it. And yet bf and I still talk and are still very cordial.
I'm going to wear a skirt tomorrow with real shoes. (Yes, RJ, I PROMISE to be careful.) They're flats, Clarks... very sturdy. I've been to PT three times and doing very well.
