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Coloring Outside the Lines
Twenty-eight first graders were starring at me with hope in their eyes. I was 22 and a schoolteacher in Dallas. I am the one
that should have all the answers–or at least in a perfect world. The students hung on my every word. I was very conscious
of this. As their teacher, I was responsible for much more than academics. I would help to mold their social and moral development.
Moreover, I would have significant influence on their self-esteem as I prepared them for what lies ahead.
One day, in the middle of an art lesson, Jennifer stopped to ask me why I had colored “outside the lines.” She commented that
I had made mistakes. I did not look at the situation as a mistake. Well now, everyone knows that you are NOT to color outside
the lines. After all, this is why the lines are there–right?
I knew the students would try to mimic my work. I did not want perfection–I wanted creativity. The notion of creative individuality
is lost in the cloning process. I knew that some students would have problems staying within the lines but they would still
give it their best. I encouraged the students to bring their own sense of creative flare to their work. Perfection was not
the goal because in reality, things are not perfect. In life, someone can move the lines or distort them.
I explained to Jennifer that sometimes people do go outside the lines. It happens! It is okay! As I showed my work, I explained
that it was still a great piece of art even if I did go outside the lines. I could hear sighs of relief coming from some students.
Perfection is sometimes hard to obtain. Sometimes you fall short but that does not negate the good things that you have done
or accomplished in your life.
Life provides numerous situations where perfection is expected and yet not achieved. This is life. There are no perfect jobs,
perfect men, women, or even perfect relationships. Life requires work and it takes you outside the lines. You do not give
up. You get creative trying different things and you move on. It is about being true to yourself and using your given talents.
It is about giving it your best and accepting the outcomes.
I know all too well the pressures of trying to reach perfection–the anguish of failing or falling short. This neurotic behavior
and the pursuit of perfection have served me well in some situations. On the other hand, there was many times where the anxiety
and stress I had brought upon myself overshadowed any accomplishment. When you accept that it is okay to go outside the lines,
life becomes easier to balance and serenity replaces anxiety. Perfection is learning to accept the lines as you learn what
your true talents are and understand your limitations.
Phyllis C. White ’80 | Education
West Salem, Ohio
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