My list of passions is long and curated over five decades, including but not limited to reading, writing, travel, cooking, embroidery, word games, Snoopy and the whole Peanuts gang, the Avett Brothers, chocolate, tea, the beach (any beach) and art museums.
It’s a bonus when a friend, family member or student shares some of the same passions — so much to talk about! — but there is often more joy in discovering where our passions diverge. Entire new worlds open up.
I can learn about fan fiction and romance novels from one friend and mindfulness techniques from another. I don’t have to jump all in to appreciate someone who loves to knit or plays softball or keeps meticulous Pinterest boards, but I’m happy to learn more and support their interests.
This includes most sporting events. I’m a casual sports fan with some disdain for team owners who ignore safety guidelines and for professional athletes who receive special treatment. But I’ll root for my seventh graders on the basketball court or football field. I’m always impressed by students who try something new with no guarantee of reward.
And I’ll tear up when one of my former students signs a letter of intent to play soccer for UCLA or run cross country for Oklahoma State University — students driven by passion, devoting hours each day to training while also excelling in the classroom.
Our high school recently made district history by reaching the volleyball state finals. I’ve known some of the seniors on the team since they were in kindergarten. Two of the juniors were students in my sixth- and seventh-grade classroom.
I was there for the final game, cheering for a group of young women who have poured thousands of hours into their sport. Though our team lost, we gave the girls a standing ovation, and I knew that the applause was not just for the teammates but also for the coaches and parents who have supported each individual through clinics and practices, sprains and bruises, victories and losses.
I tutor a high school student who I’ve known since he was born. He is a talented musician — piano, flute and violin — and while I help him with reading and writing strategies, he teaches me each week about music history and his favorite composers.
His mom, Jasmine, is a longtime friend who supports her son’s passions with gusto. She helps schedule private lessons and summer camps, manages his performance calendar and seeks extra opportunities for her son to enjoy live music. She is her son’s biggest fan, and her enthusiasm is contagious.
Jasmine recently invited me to attend a flute recital featuring Yubeen Kim, one of the world’s youngest, most celebrated flutists. I’ve never sought out a recital of someone I don’t know, but I was excited to listen to music so important to Jasmine and her son.
The night was magical. We sat in a pew near the front of a cozy Dallas chapel, close enough to see Kim’s facial expressions as he performed pieces including “Cantabile et Presto” and “Rondo in D Major K 184.” I found myself holding my breath and even blinking back tears as he played the most beautiful notes I’ve ever heard from a single flute.
I was also enchanted by his accompanist, Russian native Anastasia Markina, who is also the Dallas Symphony pianist and a director of worship at First United Methodist Church Coppell.
Kim and Markina represent their own devotion to their art while also reflecting the support of mentors and teachers who poured into their development. When applause echoed throughout the stone sanctuary, we were showing appreciation for not only their passionate performances but also the people who built the foundation for their work.
I’m thankful for communities that make room for multiple interests and for the people who embrace and share their passions. My playlist now includes compositions by Henri Dutilleux, and I’ve started following UCLA men’s soccer on social media. Who knows what worlds will open up next.
Tyra Damm is a Briefing columnist. She can be reached at tyradamm@gmail.com.
Let’s give a round of applause to these talented teens – and their supporters
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