DEBORAH REID WRITER & CHEF
  • Home
  • Clips & Podcasts
    • Sample Writing
  • Recipes
    • Video Recipes
  • today
    • today messages
  • Blog
    • Theo
    • Eugénie Brazier
  • About
    • Instagram Link Page
  • Contact

today

16/7/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture

For too long, I put a lot of weight in the opinion of students who didn’t like me.
 
I’m not saying they don’t count.
 
Just that there are as many—may be more—who I had a real connection with.

And their opinions matter as much.
 
***
 
I taught a lot of young people—thousands in twenty years.
 
In numbers, they would almost fill the CNE coliseum.
 
When a former student approaches me, I’ve started asking:
 
What was your experience of me as a teacher? 

Then I listen. I open to the conversation. 

***

Time has not worn my passion and curiosity down.

Those qualities are invaluable. I'd even say precious.

They carry the best lessons.

I was a good teacher.
 
***
 
It’s beyond me to please everyone.
 
There’s lightness in letting that go.
 
The fact is I failed some.
 
But on the whole, I did my best (sometimes under incredible duress).

I always felt I answered to chefs and restaurateurs more than any institution.
 
***
 
I’ve just spent ten days with two former George Brown students—each with a unique talent—both on the cusp of change.
 
Watching them grow into who they are is a privilege.
 
I’m grateful they still care what I think.
 
And are happy to see me.
 
***
 
Thank you, Alyssa and Blake, for your beautiful hospitality.

​You too are my teachers. I am your student. 
 
Wasan Island is a magical place.

2021

0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Archives

    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021

    Categories

    All
    Today

    RSS Feed

    Subscribe
Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Home
  • Clips & Podcasts
    • Sample Writing
  • Recipes
    • Video Recipes
  • today
    • today messages
  • Blog
    • Theo
    • Eugénie Brazier
  • About
    • Instagram Link Page
  • Contact