A New Journey: From Classroom to Canvas
Have you ever felt a calling so intense it becomes impossible to ignore?
"Nest" from Unit 1 - Experiencing and Relational Presence. This piece, crafted from yarn, represents comfort—soft, embracing, and tangible. It's more than art; it’s a sensory reflection of solace.
Hello, all! Today, I'm sharing a chapter of transformation in my life—a decision I had contemplated for years and one I've now wholeheartedly embraced.
For fourteen years, I genuinely loved the core business of working with students. But over time, I found myself overwhelmed. The demands of paperwork, administrative duties, staff shortages, and the persistent effects of the COVID-19 pandemic wore on me. And it wasn’t just the daily tasks. The shifting nature of my role added to the strain. I realised the educator I desired to be was at odds with the system I was in.
But with every ending, there’s a new beginning. My heart and soul have always resonated with the therapeutic potential of art. It communicates the inexpressible, heals the soul, and bridges the divide between mind and spirit. And so, I've embarked on a journey into a Master’s in Arts Therapy at the MIECAT Institute in Melbourne.
"Warbling Magpie" from Unit 2 - Embodied Awareness. Beyond the black ink lies the joy of auditory sensations, a testament to my profound happiness when genuinely attuned to the world around you.
Three days into the course, the universe affirmed my decision. Engaging content, aligned passions, and an inspiring community whispered, "You're on the right path."
As a late-diagnosed Autist, this path is intensely personal; I dream of mentoring neurodiverse youth, guiding them to express, advocate, and find joy in their unique voices.
Looking forward, each day is an opportunity for growth and discovery, and as I travel this path, I pose two questions to you:
- Have you ever felt a calling so strong that it changed the course of your life?
- If you were to embark on a new educational journey tomorrow, what would it be?
Share your thoughts and stories in the comments!
And always remember: Do what sets your soul alight. If you sense the winds of change, embrace their call.
With warmth and gratitude,
Tegan
