Mrs. Falkner

By Austin Piontek 

I was never fond of school, I was known to just scratch by with my grades and not truly care about any of the classes I had as long as I got a B or even C. I wasn’t talkative in classes either. As long as my parents were content I was as well. School was merely a chore.

It was the second semester of sophomore year, and I had to take another art class to meet the requirements to graduate. Everyone I knew and talked to about classes chose 3D art and juniors who had taken it had said it is fun sculpting and doing pottery. I had no interest, so I went out to take 2D not knowing what to expect.

Throughout my middle school years my mom had been so fond of art. She loved me so much that when she would wake up early, make my lunch for me, then every single day of school she would draw a picture on my bag. Whether it be her creation of “Pengu” or Pumba from The Lion King it would be a new one every day. Though every time, I threw it out, feeling not so attached to art.

Walking into the first day of 2D art I was hesitant, in the prerequisite class I felt average and that I had to actually try in the drawing to get that ok grade I wanted. Slowly, that feeling drifted away, everyday, Mrs Falkner was such an eye opening, honest, and kind teacher.

She was easy to understand and relate with, she wasn't strict, she would redirect people if off task but in a way where I was happy to go back to drawing. She made sure everyone was happy with what they were doing, or doing it if they didn’t care. She would even spend 5-10 minutes sitting in a students chair next to me, directing me how to accomplish what I was struggling with, even showing me some things I could do to make it better. Everyday got better.

Only thing that made it better was coming in on my off day. We started an oil pastel piece, usually I would take the easiest one to recreate but I saw the siamese cat, my mothers favorite cat, this would be the best gift I could give her. I started to come in every day, and work harder and harder on my piece. I had never fallen so obsessed with a piece before. Mrs. Falkner revived a part of me that strived for art, and wanted to get better. She was a friend yet a mother to me. Thank you Mrs Falkner.