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When The Student Surpasses the Teacher
…Joy and Grief Live Side by Side
Today, as I popped onto Instagram before I ran out the door, I saw a student of mine, posing outside a particularly interesting piece of architecture. She is in Dubai.
She was asked to speak at the climate talks there, which are going on right now. I had no idea. I had no idea that when I met her in England, 4.5 years ago, she would not only be doing the work I had been doing, but be doing MORE and in front of more important, more influential people.
Those long talks and long walks she and I had, as she asked questions about my life and vice versa, were beautiful and revelatory. Her gorgeous Brazilian smile, warm-colored skin, and joy were the embodiment of liberation and freedom — things I was just trying on for the first time in my life. I had been there to teach her. But she taught me so much as well.
I had no idea that in the three years after we met, my entire life would fall apart at every possible seam and would find me in pieces. And the machine I’d use to sew them back up would be found without power and missing parts as well. It’s going to take a long time.
And she is in Dubai. Wow.
I’m super happy for her. I’m grateful her life is in a place that allows her to do the work she is doing…
