Mr. T and Mr. V.
Habit Hack Episode 08
Gym Class, 1987, Woodside School
Mr. T. Not the A-Team, wrestling, big gold chain wearing Mr. T of the 80's, but Mr. T of Gym Class in elementary school in River Vale, NJ. Gym class before Gym was called PE. Just Gym. But Mr. T's class was anything but "just Gym" to me... it was the class I would crave all week.
Thirty-plus year later, and I can still smell that gym; I can still hear Mr. T's voice, deep and echoing off the non-padded brick walls with 12 coats of paint; I can still see him moving the springboard in front of the stack of blue mats in setting up the obstacle course, whistle still poised in his mouth, as if it was permanently attached.
The obstacle course. My favorite. The activity of all activities. We got to do EVERYTHING. Jump over boxes, navigate the balance beam, climb the rope, shimmy over stacks of those blue mats with velcro on the side, the greatest challenge there, to not get velcro burn on the knees... Obstacle course days were the best days, for my 9-year-old-self. I loved doing the obstacle course, but looking back, I think I loved watching Mr. T set up the course. He was so particular, so measured, and through my lens, so creative. He was making this course just for us. He was planning and building and then blowing his whistle to start us...encouraging us, cheering for us, critiquing our form. He wanted us to love Gym class. And so, we did.
Looking back, I know how important, perhaps even critical, that connection with Mr. T and gym class and the obstacle course was. I know, in part, because another Gym Teacher has been one of the most influential and biggest supports in my life, Mr. V. Although I don't call him that, because he is my stepdad.
What I have come to learn about Mr. V and Mr. T, these gym teachers who have passion for the craft of teaching kids, is that they cultivate a connection and a feeling of belonging within their gym class, that reaches far beyond Gym. They teach us how to access our inner discipline, drive, and commitment. They coach us, in more than flag football and floor hockey, extending to values, communication, and conditioning our physical and mental bodies for life. They do this all while respecting our emotional states, and showing us how to believe in ourselves through motivating and energizing and leading by example.
Looking back, I recognize these memories at Woodside school, for more than just Gym Class reminiscing, but for shaping many of my qualities that allow me to show up every day. And I am beyond grateful for the unconditional love and support from the Gym Teacher who raised me as family.
Back in the 80's we had to do the Presidential Physical Fitness Challenge....remember that? (That was a close second behind the obstacle course, for me)... The shuttle run, the V-sit, the timed mile... I know kids today have similar metrics, and I know gym teachers have the latest tools and strength training modules. I just hope kids are feeling the true connection, mentoring, and passion; and being taught to access their inner strengths, that will serve them thirty-plus years later.
Climb the rope.
To the top.
Smile.
Love.
xo,
Jessica
