As the thread of this conversation has to do with memories, I thought I post a not so goo memory I had from my time at Via. It was sparked by something Pav mentioned regarding Scott Weisel. I know Scott had a temper, but I also know he broke down a lot of walls there and stirred the pot in a good way, when he and his wife came to teach at Via. My memory is of him standing up for me:
The high school choir had try-outs for solo singing parts for the upcoming Christmas cantata. I think I was in 10th grade that year, and so I tried out. I wasn't a great singer, but I had range. I was selected to sing a solo part opposite of a female, who also had a solo part. When it was announced that I had been given one of the parts, much of the high school attending the music practice that day broke out in laughter. I was mortified. Yet I can still remember Scott standing there in the middle aisle of the T.I.M. building and angrily saying, "What is the problem with that?!" In that moment, even though my heart had broken once again, and I felt so unacceptable in the eyes of others, Scott made me feel as if somebody, somewhere, would actually stand up for me.
I don't think he ever realized what his actions that day, in that moment, did for me. Did my life change at Via after that? . . .No. Was I ever "Joe Cool"? . . .No. But it helped . . .in that moment . . .it was exactly what I needed an adult to do for me--be on my side!
Thanks, Scott . . .wherever you are.
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