Frequent Flyers
by Robin Theiss, First Year
People are often amazed when we tell them that we are commuting to teacher training by plane. It doesn’t seem amazing to us. What is amazing, however, are the circumstances that allowed each of us to find this teacher training program. Each reason, unique on its own, led us to the Bay Area Center for Waldorf Teacher Training. The idea of commuting by plane did not seem like an impossibility but a necessity. Although this presented many challenges, we decided to make the commitment.
The financial aspects were the first challenge. The cost of the program combined with the commuting expenses at first seemed overwhelming. However, we discovered a program through Southwest Airlines that issues a free round trip ticket for every four booked on-line. Although each round-trip ticket costs approximately $100.00, at the end of one year each of us will have received seven free round-trip tickets anywhere in the U.S. We can either apply these to our regular flights, or as some of us have decided, take our families on vacation in the summer. The other financial challenges were addressed by the graciousness of two families. Rachel’s parents have provided a car for us each weekend; Lauri, a third year student, and her family allow us to stay at their beautiful home every Friday night.
The second challenge was the distance and time away from our families. We have been blessed with very supportive families that have made it possible for us to leave our homes each week without hesitation. The unique schedule of this particular program (Friday nights/Saturday mornings) also enables us to be home by 5:00 P.M. Saturday evening. In total we are away from our families for just over 24 hours.
We were also concerned with the effects that the traveling would have upon us. Once we established a rhythm, it became part of our lives. As full-time parents, the Friday evenings and Saturday mornings have given us time to take a breath and really focus on our studies. The time blocks have allowed us space to develop friendships that have become enriching. When we return we feel renewed, refreshed and able to give our families a better part of ourselves.
Facing the challenges has strengthened our resolve to make our dreams a reality. Our dedication to this teacher training program, we know, will enrich our lives and our families’ lives in ways that pale in comparison to the distance we must travel.
