13. Creating is also my job

Today is a bit of an extra story.

I usually teach piano lessons,
but actually, I have another job

that I hold dear.

I work as a support staff member at a local elementary school,
helping the teachers.

From grading homework and creating teaching materials to printing,
it is a job that supports children
so they can have a secure school life.

I started this job a year after returning to my hometown,
and before I knew it, it has been 15 years.

School in the morning, piano in the afternoon.

This rhythm feels
very comfortable to me now.

Last year, I transferred to a new school and learned that
the library bulletin board was empty.*

"Since I have the chance,
I'll try making a wall display,
which I've always wanted to do."

That is how it all began.

The inspiration came from
the custodian at the school where I previously worked.

The wall displays that incorporated lace and three-dimensional works
became photo spots for the children
every graduation and entrance ceremony.

That scene stayed in my heart for a long time,
and I had wanted to try it myself someday.

I was too busy at my previous school
to find the time,

but it is precisely because I am at this school now
that I was able to bring that dream to life.

It started with a hot air balloon wall display.

The joy of saying "I did it"
led to the next project,

and now I create works
tailored to the season every one to two months.

I laminate them so they can be used next year, and
add texture with colored pencils and pens.

I strive to create works
that convey warmth even when made of paper.

And recently,
I have been shaping my ideas
while consulting with ChatGPT (Chappy-san).

One that stands out in particular is
the wall display themed around a shrine.

When I made original fortune slips,
a line formed in the library.

"Teacher! I got a Daikichi (great blessing)!"

The children would report to me with smiles on their faces.

I still cannot forget
those happy expressions.

And recently,
the library has been all about the World Cup.

Many sticky notes gathered
in the score prediction corner,
and not only the children but also the teachers
enjoyed it together.

"I'm glad I made it."

That was the moment I felt that way.

Having people who look forward to it.

Having people who smile because of it.

That is the most rewarding thing for me.

Recently, more and more teachers have been saying to me,

"You should make this your job, shouldn't you?"

I have been hearing that more often lately.

Those words have encouraged me to start a new challenge.
I am now beginning a new endeavor.

Once it takes shape,
I will introduce it here on this note.

Also, I visited the

**Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum "Leo Lionni Exhibition"**
which has been open since yesterday.

It was a day where I received many hints for creation
and a lot of inspiration.

I would like to write another article
about what I felt at that time and the works that left an impression on me,
along with photos.

I would be happy if you could look forward to the next post.
🌿