Tears for "Mr. Holland’s Opus"

Last night as I read the last few reading logs from my students, I switched on the TV for a little distraction and background noise. After some channel surfing, I discovered “Mr. Holland’s Opus” on HBO. Now, this is one of my dad’s favorite movies – I guess with him being a musician and teacher, it strikes a cord. As a child, watching this movie seemed like a chore. It’s well written, acted and directed, but what 10-year-old cares about that? I liked the music, but given the choice, I would have chosen to change the channel. Last night, however, it seemed like the perfect solution to my needs.

For those of you that are unfamiliar with the plot line, Glen Holland is a brilliant composer that is forced into a teaching job due to monetary needs. Each year he teaches, he continues to dream of composing his masterpiece but life always seems to get in the way. Through his teaching, the plot focuses on specific students and his relationships with them. (Spoiler alert) At the end of the movie the music program is cut from the budget and Holland is forced into an early retirement. Seeing his life in terms of failures, as he is leaving the school for the last time he is drawn into the auditorium to a full house, celebrating his life as a teacher. The introduction to his opus (which his students play) ends with a former student telling him that they are his opus, his life’s symphony. (Cue waterworks).

As I sat in my chair, tears welling in my eyes – unusual – I realized the beauty of this movie as it relates to my life. The privilege to be involved in my students’ lives is not one I should take for granted. I feel a lot like Holland, I have dreams and aspirations to become a writer, but for now, due to God’s calling, I’m in the Philippines teaching. Whether I teach for two years or twenty, and no matter if I influence one student or fifty, God has given me this opportunity and unique influence, for which I am thankful. It is hard work, but I know if someday just one of my students realizes their love for writing, it will be worth it.

So, thanks Dad for making watch this movie multiple times as a child, and thanks Sky Cable for playing that movie at a time when I feel like a needed it the most. But most importantly, thank you God for gifting me with this opportunity to share one of my passions with the kids in my classes.