Wednesday, I had the opportunity to go teach at Hawken School for a day. I was doing a presentation/workshop on the history of comics and how to make them. There was a decent amount of work involved, including a couple of Keynote presentations and building some worksheets. But it was totally worth it. I had about fifteen students and they all seemed really interested in the project. Ultimately, they’re going to create their own Cleveland-based superhero and do at least the cover for the issue. They’re working on back story, on secret identities and powers, the whole product.
It was just a wonderful day all around.
I also teach the occasional afterschool or summer program at Hawken, as well. I’ve done more than a few career days and library presentations and workshops all around. If you’re a freelancer, I recommend it.
First, it’s part of the greater circle. We all had that professional (or professionals) who were kind enough to give us a little time and a few words, helping us pave the path we took. There’s a point where it’s your duty to continue the chain. And, even if you don’t know it all (who does?) or aren’t where you want to be in your career (who is?) you still know more than the person asking the question, don’t you.
And second, the act of putting something into words is very clarifying. I had a teacher in art school who said “If you can’t say it, you don’t know it.” There’s something to that. Trying to explain why you do the things you do provides insight to you as well as your students.
If you ever get the chance, give it a try. Your students will definitely get something out of it, and chances are, you will, too.