Finding Freedom (and Humor) in a System That Loves Boxes
Do I need a break? Maybe… but not from work—just from the mindset that tells me to stay in the box, and color inside the lines. Education systems love standardization, yet they claim to foster individuality (hence our unofficial staff T-shirt idea: ‘PUBLIC SCHOOL U – Celebrating Diversity Through Standardization!’). Fortunately, being an art teacher means I get to color outside the bureaucratic lines—most days. Maybe the real escape isn’t quitting, but out-creating the system that wants to box us in.
Forming 2.0 
Oh, this hit me right in the standardized soul.
You’ve somehow managed to turn existential frustration into art class therapy, and I, for one, am here for it. “Celebrating Diversity Through Standardization” should absolutely be stitched into the official seal of every school district office, preferably in Times New Roman, size 12, double-spaced, and submitted in triplicate.
Your ability to find joy in a system that files individuality under “miscellaneous” is nothing short of heroic.
But the idea that the real escape is out-creating the system? That’s genius. Possibly dangerous. Almost definitely against policy. Which makes it perfect.
Thank you for continuing to teach not just students, but fellow box-dwellers like me, that creativity doesn’t require permission.
Keep coloring past the margins. We’ll follow when the copier jams.
Chris
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Chris, your comment made me laugh out loud and feel seen—which is a rare and wonderful combination. “Creativity doesn’t require permission” might just be my new mantra (right next to “submit in triplicate”).Thank you for recognizing the joy and quiet rebellion in coloring outside the copier margins. I’m honored to have fellow box-dwellers like you who get it—and who chase dragons and breakfast in equal measure.Let’s keep making beautiful messes in spite of the policy manual.With gratitude,Dean (Forming 2.0)
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