Final Thoughts

Friday, August 8, 2014

Whitney of the future here:

Wow, was this summer amazing or what? After working with the Education staff at the DMA this summer I feel a renewed sense of passion and focus for working in the world of art education.

I accomplished my goals and much more as I learned how a museum works, who works in a museum and how different people work with one another, how to write lesson plans/curriculum, created relationships with some amazing educators that I now consider mentors and friends, and I learned that I have what it takes to be an educator myself (minus a master's...but I'm working on it!). I have found that more than anything, if I am willing to listen and to learn myself, I can be a good teacher. Hard work and commitment don't hurt either.

I don't really wish that I knew anything specifically before I started. A lack of expectations for the internship proved to be helpful. For future interns: be ready to work hard, be ready to learn, but also remember to have fun (even if you have to make time for it!). Enjoy being close to art everyday. Enjoy the artists you meet and the supervisors that you work under. They have so much to teach you!

I was thrilled to be around the art at the DMA daily. I made sure to walk through the galleries at least once every day. I found pieces that I wouldn't have otherwise and I grew to appreciate pieces that I didn't understand at first.

I am so thankful for the opportunity to practice teaching in the galleries as well. I was quite nervous at first because I was unsure of my audiences, but once I became comfortable I didn't want to ever leave. I was fortunate enough to have great supervisors that allowed me to make mistakes and to be nervous so that I could learn and be better. The DMA was the perfect environment for me to learn good skills and habits of educators.

I wouldn't have done anything different this summer, though I really wish I could go back and do it over again for the fun of it all.

I am excited to continue pursuing my master's degree this year in hopes that I can one day officially be an art educator. This internship was just what I needed after a challenging academic and professional year. It helped give me confidence in my skills and taught me so many more!

Xo,

Whitney Sirois