Back to School Memories and Advice
From our Managing Director and our Company Members!
With the first day of school fast approaching, we asked those here who have been through many back-to-school experiences, what memories they have, what teacher impacted them, and advice for those entering the classroom this fall.
Autumn Ness, CTC Company Member
“My advice is whatever feelings you have about going back to school — remember you are not alone. Everyone around you is feeling the same thing! The other kids, parents, even teachers! They are all a little nervous, a little excited, tired, proud, curious…all those feelings!
“I remember once our bus broke down, and we were just delighted that we were all going to be late for school. I remember how strange it was to see your teachers out at a restaurant or the store, like they weren’t really people who had lives outside school. And, I went to school here in Minnesota, which meant 6 months out of the year, recess was really cold. I remember whole classes being huddled by the building for the whole recess, just trying to stay warm before we could finally go inside!
“My favorite teacher was my sixth grade teacher Mr. Brown, because he had all these cool sayings like “4 out of 3 people struggle with math,” and “I’m sorry, is my teaching interrupting you?”
Dean Holt, CTC Company Member
“My favorite teacher is and was Mrs. McNeary. She taught English and was an absolute joy. She was 100% Irish and took St. Patrick’s Day to a competitive level — her room would look like a leprechaun tornado had ripped through the night before and much of it would spill out into the hallway as well. She would greet each student in the hallway dressed head to toe in the most outrageous green, striped, flashing, rhinestone bedazzled gear she could get her hands on and always made that day, and every other one of the year, fun and memorable. I am lucky enough to still see her at CTC when she attends, often sitting in the front row with her daughter and grandkids. Those performances are extra special because it’s my turn to dress up and put on a show for her.”
Kim Motes, Managing Director
“My best advice to kids going back to school is to get involved in your school arts programs; backstage, onstage or attending performances. My most inspiring teacher was my junior high school choir director Mr. Holtz. He developed in me a lifelong love for the arts that has shaped my passions and certainly my career path.”
Gerald Drake, CTC Company Member
“When I was in Junior High, 6th grade, I had to give a speech in front of my class. I had cue cards, but my hands were shaking so badly that I kept dropping them, and everyone was laughing at me. I ran out into the hall and cried. My teacher came out and told me next time I should be better prepared. It was then I vowed never to get up in front of others again! In 8th grade, I had another speech class. I decided to tell the story about how I had broken my arm on the swings and put an ax in my leg during Boy Scouts. Everyone laughed and loved my stories, and I realized they were laughing with me, not at me this time. I found entertaining others to be extremely cathartic, and so here I am today.”
Reed Sigmund, CTC Company Member
“My advice to all you students heading back to school is this: Bring a pencil. Bring an eraser. Or just bring a laptop. Bring a smile. Bring empathy. Bring snacks. Go outside. Learn your ABC’s. Learn your 123’s. Learn from the good experiences. Learn from the bad experiences. Learn what’s important. Learn what’s not. Learn how to tell the difference. Help others. Ask others for help. Be courageous. Be you. Be a friend. Be kind to others. And be kind to yourself.
“Here’s a memory from my very first day of elementary school — my house was a straight three block walk from the school. Because of this, I was certain I didn’t need anyone’s help getting home on that very first day. My mom had offered to pick me up in the car. She had offered to walk and meet me halfway. I respectfully, but firmly, declined the offers. Come on, I was 6 years old. I could walk three blocks. No, I could not walk three blocks. I got lost. I sat down. I cried. Then I stood up and I kept right on walking. I got more lost. I sat down a little more. I cried a lot more. But then, far off in the distance, I saw her. My shouting, relieved, frustrated, delighted mom had found me. I had made a real simple mistake and walked seven blocks in the wrong direction.
“My most memorable teacher would be my elementary school music teacher, Mary Radniecki. I was always a loud kid, who struggled with focus and attention and all that stuff. Back in the day, these were not widely considered the most admirable qualities in a student. However, Mrs. Radniecki, helped me put these traits to great use. She said I should sing. She suggested I try out for theater. She contacted my parents and recommended they have me audition for choir. She cast me in my first show. Ultimately, she helped me find my place in school and in life. Wonderful teacher, amazing person. Thanks, Mrs. Rad!!!! I’m still sorry about that time I pretended I was a gorilla for the entire day.”
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