Dawne Swearingen Meeks

I can not believe it has been nine years since I was granted my tenure and promotion. It seems like yesterday and in other ways so very long ago. 

 

In that time, I have learned MANY LESSONS…

 

I have learned to be FLEXIBLE. Covid taught me that this past year but I suppose, too, it is one of those things you learn in your seasoned time. I have learned PATIENCE as expectations are not always met the way we imagine they will align and yet, there often is unexpected blessing. I have learned that CHANGE is hard. We have had six faculty retire or pass away in the last eight years along with additional staff changes. I have learned the art of RESILIENCE. If you can stay sure and steady as you trust in God, you will find resolution and blessing. 

 

I have learned the value of COMMUNITY. If Covid has taught us anything, it is that we need each other. There is power in the body. That goes for family, friends, church, school, creative space…we are stronger together. I have learned GRACE. I do not possess all of the answers and do not always have a quick fix, but with grace and humbleness there comes clarity and stillness. 

 

I LEARN every day. As an educator, it is vital to keep learning, observing, and practicing new technique. I am grateful to have been blessed to learn from incredible mentors like Adam and Donna Hester, Sandy Freeman and Gary Varner. Each one taught me something unique. I learned the power of STORYTELLING and IMAGINATION from Gary. I learned the power of CREATIVE INSTRUCTION and CARE for people from Donna. I learned the power of COMMUNITY and RESEARCH from Sandy and I learned how to LEAD COURAGEOUSLY, how to DIRECT WITH PURPOSE and how to WALK IN FAITH from Adam. I will be eternally grateful for these beautiful humans and life lessons. 

 

We lost our beautiful Queen, Jeannette Lipford this past Fall 2020. She was the most buoyant and bright 93-year-old I have ever known. She drank from a special well of life and she illuminated any space she entered. I learned GRACE and the importance of being EXCELLENT and a TRUTH TELLER from her.  Her grand piano graces our living room; its daily presence as a remembrance of this God-loving woman. My husband has made it his mission to learn to play in her honor. His dedication has been inspiring and I feel her spirit when the chords ring out. Jeannette was a PRAYER WARRIOR and FAITH FOUNDATION was her very breath. 

 

I have learned that we must tackle FEAR and that fear can be a positive. It can be the very thing that drives us to overcome and try something or can keep us from doing something. When I was growing up, my mom would help me map the plan and then encourage me to try it. I did not like to try new things so if I was riding my bike to school for the first time, she would ride the route with me and then pass the map to me. I actually like CHANGE now. I love to travel, move, meet new people and tackle new techniques in the class room. It actually revitalizes me but I believe this is all due to PRACTICE. I am aware that due to some deep scars, I have let fear impact my confidence in performance over the past few years. I do not enjoy performing the way I did when I lived in NYC but I will make it a goal to tackle this as it makes me a better teacher. I believe there is power in owning that. 

 

I have learned to embrace REHEARSAL and value the process of it. I used to want to rush to the product and I better understand the value of the process. That could be relational to putting up a production or engaging in class for 16 weeks. Process is the most important part of PRODUCT. It is the growth space, the area where we learn most by falling down and getting back up. Getting students to buy into this philosophy is key. 

 

Finally FAITH, PRAYER and LOVE are important action words in my day-to-day life and in the classroom- I have walked through some highly vulnerable experiences in the last several years. I have been honored to counsel and pray over my students and with my colleagues as they have walked through challenging events and I am always reminded of the Lord’s love for us. He is always present even when we do not feel Him or question. Prayer is mighty and he receives and intercedes for us. 

 

As we prepare to walk with our 13-year-old son through treatment for an eating disorder again, I am reminded of HIS love. He covers us just when we feel overwhelmed or unsure, the path becomes clear and HIS healing evident. 

 

~Dawne

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“Fear not for I am with thee, be not afraid. I will strength you, I will help you, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isaiah 41:10

 

"Endeavor to approve yourself to God, as an artist that is not afraid of reproach, by rightly explaining the word of truth."

2 Tim 2:15