Talk about a thirst trap!
There I am, kind reader, in my spa robe and my spa sandals. On my way to the steam room. In-between massages. Living a decadent life. Seeing how the other half lives.
What led to the debauchery illustrated in this picture?
Public education, friend. Public education.
***
As I wrote last week, I traveled to Boulder. My former high school student Ben was defending his dissertation. I was Ben’s high school teacher. Nearly fifteen years later, I was a professor on Ben’s PhD committee. What a powerfully strange relationship. Really, the experience was surreal.
I was so proud of Ben as he shared his dissertation. His work to understand how energy moves between people as they use improv to engage with issues such as climate change is, in a word, inspiring to me. He cited my work. Cited my influence. Expanded beyond my thinking in all sorts of cool ways.
Ben and I have created so many insane theatre projects. So much ridiculous comedy and satire. We’ve been friends for a very long time. To sit around a table at the University of Colorado Boulder and discuss his research felt satisfying. I am so proud of what he has done. Of what he is doing. Of what he is building. And to think about my relationship with that journey is really pretty wild.
I don’t really have much to say. I enjoyed a few days away from home. I met Ben’s boyfriend. We ate too much sushi. He drove me on top of a mountain and showed me the valley. Boulder is a gorgeous city. The University campus is stunning.
And yes, kind reader, I did stay in a fancy hotel with a fancy sauna and a fancy steam room. I never splurge. And, while it is true that my children might not eat for months, I did my best to enjoy my short trip to Boulder, Colorado.
***
I found myself less anxious than I typically am when I travel. I can’t say why. Something in me broke this fall and, in the aftermath of that breaking, something else is opening up. Something calmer. Something quieter. Something more sustainable. Who is to say how long that something will last. Life is tricky. Still, I enjoyed this trip. And I’m happy I enjoyed this trip.
It was great to be with Ben as he finished his PhD. Here, my friend, is a picture of a humble high school teacher and his humble high school student to carry you on beyond these words. Public education, despite all those who would destroy it, can matter deeply.
Samuel Jaye Tanner 