Memory Vignette Assignment

As one of the first assignments for my composition class we were asked to recall certain memories of teachers, events, or classes from our past that allowed us an insight to the true realm of the teaching world and simultaneously the philosophies towards education that we wished to enact in our own careers as well. I took a little bit of a twist from the assignment outlined by writing in my own third-person style while still trying to portray (I hope successfully) the foundation of my outlook on teaching.

So without further ado, here is my completed and hopefully clear memory vignette:

As the fatal countdown began again Andy jumped from behind a mossy covered oak tree lost in the seemingly endless wilderness about her and made a beeline for the lichen covered boulder standing at what seemed an unattainable distance away. Stately and unmoving the large rock would fulfill her every need, her perfect haven in the woods, now if only she could get there without being seen. Seconds whipped by in a blur, and as they rapidly ticked away from five to four to three… she just managed to make one sweeping jump, landing mere inches from her new shelter. As the final seconds whisked away she dove and slid the remaining few inches to safety. When the final call of “one” rang throughout the now seemingly undisturbed wilderness Andy ignored the light stream of blood trickling from her elbow, her newly throbbing leg and the heavy breathing escaping from between her lips. All that was left to do was wait; wait and hope that she had escaped this round unnoticed. At last with one crushing, devastating blow she heard the call… “You there! Behind the rock! Andy you’re out!”

Covered in an assortment of dirt and scratches Andy emerged sheepishly from behind her not-so-safe haven and came face to face with the group of her pursuers. As she walked slowly towards the large group at the bottom of the net strung keenly between two oaks she knew the fulfillment and pride of her students would last through the week. Nothing gave the younger generation of youth surrounding her a greater satisfaction than knowing that their teacher was capable of loss. Although her skills at the game were legendary, she was indeed the last one out, her participation in a “children’s game” was a great way to connect with the kids she had devoted herself to teaching at the beginning of the summer. Looking back on those days spent running through the wilderness of Maine, getting bloodied and soiled all for a game, Andy realized that relating to children on their level is often what it takes for a true relationship of trust and respect to develop.