SAMPLES FROM TEACHER RESIDENCY PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK
“On the last night, we all gathered and shared what we would be taking home with us. I shared that I wasn't numb anymore. I was reminded throughout the week, through the incredible people, programming and nature surrounding me, of my call to teach. I was led back to the place that feels confident and even excited, that I can begin a new year and be the teacher I was called to be, the teacher I WANT to be, the teacher I know I can be.” —2022 Participant
“When I left Gilchrist I felt reborn, renewed, rejuvenated. The hills of Gilchrist are magical and fed every cell of my soul- which I dearly needed.” —2022 Participant
“Being here relaxes my mind and body and refills my soul with hope.” —2021 Participant
“This week has been so restorative to every part of my being. I am excited to have a fresh outlook on my life and my teaching career. I am so grateful for your support to me and many other teachers, as well as the wonderful GilChrist Community that I have been welcomed into.” —2021 Participant
Nine Hearts
Written by Matthew Szozda Dedicated to the Yeager Family and everyone that made the GilChrist Teacher Residency the place to be.
We all agree, There is something about this place that feels like magic. Something that welcomes us back into ourselves. Back into the warm embrace of our own beauty, To a mind where we once again are children, Full of wonder and awe.
Here, a strange silence finds time to still our butterfly hearts, Asking the fog to lift from over our closed eyes, And in this we become leaves in the Laura, Feeding ourselves by basking in the grace of the sun, Renewed. We are a pulsing electric current, Burning through the grain of sanded pine, Or illuminating the night sky on the wings of fireflies.
And though our feet must take us away from this place, We will keep it in our hearts, Letting it pass through the breeze on our breath, As we return to the laughter of children, And as we hold their hands to see, If they too, can share in this magic.
--2019 Participant
"I was able to sit in stillness and listen for my thoughts again. I regained comfort with stillness. I also was able to read, study and practice mindfulness and meditation....My own personal resolve, calm and practice were strengthened during my week of retreat. The grace that I carry into my daily life will have a ripple effect. All that I gained from this week of contemplation at glorious GilChrist will be carried to my own family, my staff, my students and their families and my community." --2017 Participant
"I know I will hold the lessons and truths I have learned at the teacher residency with me forever." --2017 Participant
"It was truly one of the most remarkable weeks of my life. The GilChrist Retreat Center is a very special place, almost magical. I was able to quiet my mind and find a peace that had been missing for many years." --2016 Participant
"What a gift you and your family have given all of us teachers." --2015 Participant
"Within your family foundation I have found an heirloom quilt, a patchwork of love and understanding to metaphorically wrap around my soul to keep me warm and safe and connected to the new GilChrist family I have come to love deeply."--2014 Participant
"The beauty and quietness of GilChrist renewed my heart, mind and soul."--2012 Participant
"I believe that the real gift of this week is that I learned something personal and new about, not just the art process but about myself. Since I am mainly an art teacher I will now look for ways to apply this to my teaching."--2011 Participant
The Residency gave me the opportunity to pull back from my family, my work as a school counselor and my graduate studies. I unplugged from technology, the media and my to do lists. It took a few days for my body to relax into a quieter and more thoughtful existence, one in which I became conscious of habits like doing more than one thing at a time, moving at warp speed and living in the future."--2009 Participant
"GilChrist is a sacred place with special people, practices and places that every human being should be able to visit, touch, and carry with them. I am truly fortunate."--2009 Participant
"A different trajectory was put into motion that week in Michigan. Already, on numerous occasions, I have been able to sort essential from non-essential obligations. I have kindly but firmly trimmed at least three roles from my tightly packed schedule. As a result, I am able to give myself more fully to the tasks and people I encounter daily. My service to children increases as i Go Deeper and find clarity within."--2008 Participant
"I feel as though I was given a great gift, the greatest of my life perhaps and from, quite frankly, total strangers. I arrived there one woman -- I left quite another...What a gift."--2009 Participant
"The gift of the Teacher Residency is woven into my way of being in the world. I know that my ability to pause and find the courage to be in right relationship with my work is a direct result of the cumulative experience at GilChrist. As I interact with teachers and children I am mnore fully present and therefore can more often respond with clarity and kindness."--2010 Participant
"The time passed too quickly. I felt so connected to the beauty and quietness of the surroundings. My heart, mind and soul were renewed and blossomed along with all the flowers. The sounds, scents, and the feel in nature are such a healthy experience."--2010 Participant
