Going to the gym is my escape and release. The moment I put on my headphones, I enter a different, surreal world. The music begins to play and the beats from the guitar seem to propel my feet faster and faster on the treadmill. Music transforms my persona. Based on the song I am listening to, I can feel reinvigorated, invincible, and unstoppable. Music has that ability to match our feelings and emotions.
While I was imagining myself training for some big race, with my music blaring through my headphones, jogging on the treadmill, I feel a small tap on my shoulder. I stop the treadmill and attempt to catch my breath and re-enter reality. I see Marisol by my side smiling. She and I always joke and give each other a hard time about how we both say we are going to go to the gym. We rarely see each other because one of us always decides to value sleep more than exercise on that particular morning.
Seeing her this morning was such a delight. Unfortunately, she found me not only to say hello but also to tell me that she could not meet this afternoon. Her daughter had a dentist appointment this afternoon during our normal meeting time. I told her that was completely understandable and fine. I told her we could just meet next week and pick up there. "Okay, thank you," she says. "We can meet next week, and then you are gone the week after that for the break, so I think next week is our last meeting right?" she asks. Honestly, I had not even thought about when our last meeting would be or was supposed to be. I told her we would discuss other meetings and continuing tutoring next week if she still wanted to. She seemed excited at the possibility.
My only worry is that it is difficult for me to determine how busy I will be next semester. I do not want to commit to more tutoring sessions and only give a half-hearted effort. I know that all things will work out how they are supposed to, and the right opportunity will present itself and be made clear.
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5 comments:
I completely understand about the time and schedule conflict next semester. It's hard to know how much extra time we'll have to tutor, but at the same time I can't help wondering how to just say "bye, hope I helped!" without some sort of closure or knowing my partner will still have help.
p.s. It says I deleted my comment because I tried to fix a typo =)
I think it is extremely hard to commit to something for next semester. The same topic has come up with Alberto and I and I told him we could contact each other next semester. It is hard to know anything when we don't know what time our classes are and etc. I hope to continue to work with Alberto and I hope things work out with you and Marisol.
Hi Abby, Thanks for another interesting and thoughtful blog entry. I can fully understand how difficult it will be to stop meeting after you have bonded. But next semester I will probably figure out a way to carry the project forward with a new batch of students. Even if you cannot meet with Marisol, I'll try to find someone to work with her. Best, Dan W.
I really like the beginning of your post. I feel the same way when I am running. I understand not wanting to commit to a time next semester but maybe even if you can't meet all the time you can schedule a time once or twice a month to meet for dinner or lunch...it really seems like the two of you have made a connection.
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