Elena is a second year teacher in an urban school in Portland:
Ben, have I not told you my mentor story? Well, last year I’m not sure if you know this but I was really, really depressed. I came home from work every day with a mountain of work to do. I was tired and hated life. I felt so sad and questioned my desire to become a teacher. I thought there is no way I can continue working in this way. So, around January, I thought to myself, there HAS to be a better way. This isn’t working, this isn’t sustainable. I need someone to help me. There has to be a way of teaching that aligns with my highest values; there is a reason I wanted to be a teacher, I just haven’t found my people or methods.
I don’t believe in a God per se but I do believe we are all deeply connected. I remember asking the Universe for a mentor. I knew I needed help and wasn’t ready to give up, but I wasn’t happy and didn’t have much energy. Anyway, I told myself I would be open to all possibilities and people. One day I received an email for a scholarship to attend a COFLT conference in the spring (in March). I went to a workshop, knowing NOTHING about CI. I met Tina. She was so warm and welcoming and seemed so generous with her time and willingness to work with me. She sent me an email for your workshop in the summer. She met with me once a week to get me ready to transition to CI. I read your book. Then I met you this summer. Sitting in your workshops, I felt calm, relaxed and happy. When you said, “I believe teaching is a meditation and is body-centered”–I nearly cried. I thought to myself, oh my god–thank god–I think I can do this.
Ben, Tina. I consider you both my mentors and dear friends. I am so grateful for your support, encouragement, and community. I thought it might take years to find people like you. I am so grateful to have found you so early on in my career. You have both truly changed my life. I cannot thank you enough for all of the work you do. I am a happier, healthier teacher because of you both. I love you both so much! Thank you!!!
Elena