Today has reminded what I used to love about my job. Not only did I get to take photos this morning, but also this afternoon, I played backup to the Show Me St. Louis reporter and cameraman while they filmed a feel-good story about one of our teachers winning the "Hi Gorgeous" Oprah award.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Don't forget to click on the link to keep reading! (I put this because a sweet someone, who shall remain nameless, didn't realize that there was more to the entries. Since I extend mine all the time, I just wanted to make that clear.)
It's always fun to be on standby for TV crews, especially when it's a positive story. In my 3 years here, I have met a lot of reporters we all see on TV all the time: Mike Bush, Sharon Stevens, Cordell Whitlock, Dan Buck, Ann Steffens, Betsy Bruce, Tim Ezell, John Gadsen, Christine Buck and at least a few more who have come and gone. My favorites are Mike Bush, Dan Buck (who is no longer in media) and Tim Ezell, all who I spent more time talking to and who have great personalities.
The reporter out today for Show Me was Chris Balish. Holy cow is he cute. And not wearing a wedding ring. You notice these things immediately once you are over 25. And read his bio... he is a hot reporter too. He definitely went out of his way to talk to me more than once, asking about my job and joking with me. It was great. I made sure to give him our office phone number "in case he needs anything, anything at all." Dream on, Kristen!
Still, none of this is what MOST reminded me of what I love about my job. We had walked down toward the playground to take a few camera shots. Immediately, the little children who were playing started asking me questions about what was going on. But mostly, they wanted to know my name. I took the opportunity to sit down by them, and they immediately swarmed all around me- about 12 of them. I was able to get most of their names. They must have been kindergartners. They squeezed as close as they could to me and one little boy put his hand affectionately on my knee. Unfortunately, the teacher decided they might be too distracting to the news crew and she sent them inside. But as they ran off they all turned and waved to me. I told them to stay out of trouble.
I can understand how fulfilling teaching must be. I could never do it though; I can't kid myself about my inability to be patient with so many children every single day. But I do love going to the schools. Even though these children are, by every standard, poor and struggling, no one can tell me they aren't absolutely, radiantly beautiful.
And I guess that is what my job is in essense. As the PR person in the District, it is my responsibility to get these kids the attention they deserve for all they accomplish.
It's very true that I am not as happy here as I used to be. Mostly because I don't get to go to the schools very often anymore. But at least while I am here, I need to remember that what I am doing IS good. It means something to those shining faces.
Posted by kristen at April 28, 2004 03:05 PM | TrackBackWhoo whoo whoo!!! He IS a cutie!! Good luck! :)
That's great about all the kids. Sometimes I really miss them too, like during the Kids day we had at work last week. But it's nice to get those opportunities, however brief, to spend time with them.
Posted by: Kristi at April 28, 2004 05:23 PM