Middle School

Oh, middle school...how I hated you.

I'm sure I'm not the only adult who has less than fond memories of those awkward years between the ages of 11 and 15. Those years when you're all arms and legs, when queen bees reign the school, and when your parents can do no right. Those were not fun years. Sometimes I wonder how a sensitive kid like me ever made it through. 

Fast forward a couple of decades, and I've learned to be grateful for that difficult transition time. Sure, it would have been nice if my classmates had been kinder and my parents had managed never to embarrass me. (Come to think of it...my parents could still use some work in that department.) However, I'm glad I struggled through the woes of middle school because I now have the perspective to help my students as they work through those tough years. Yay for silver linings!

Lately, middle schoolers and their unique issues are taking up a lot of my time. First loves, first dances, first heartbreaks, first zits, crazy trends, figuring out what group you fit in with...the list of struggles is endless. As an adult, it can be challenging to know when to make yourself available to a kid that needs a hand and when to leave well enough alone, but I like to think that students feel better knowing someone is on their team and is rooting for them to make it through a challenging situation. I hope they know how much all of the teachers at the Children's Theatre of Western Springs care about them and want them to be happy and do well. 

My official title is Children's Director, but my job is so much more than that. One part theatre mom, one part amateur psychologist, one part psychic, and many parts caring teacher--I'm honored to lend a hand in helping these students grow up. I hope they pay it forward to the middle schoolers in their lives 20 years from now.

To learn more about the programs at The Children's Theatre of Western Springs, visit their website at www.theatreofwesternsprings.com