Yes, that's right. Not "Miss Joy", no "Ms. Joy". Not the dreaded "Ms. Danila" (which no one can ever pronounce). After face painting and working with kids at various art locations around the state for over ten years, people just call me Joy. And I answer to it. And frankly, this has carried right over into the classrooms, it just feels right.
Does this seem unprofessional to some? Maybe. Personable? Definitely. What matters is that I can relate to the kids, and the kids are connecting with me. I am from a generation that doesn't get my feathers ruffled over formalities. In a society of non-conforming gender pronouns and unisex names, why all the fuss of "Mr." or "Mrs." archaically referencing my marital status or announcing my gender. When the kids see me and shout "Joy!!!" and when the parents tell me their children have been eagerly looking for me, just to say "Hi!" ...somehow that personal connection is way more important than a "title of respect" that my grandparents needed. I am Joy. Nice to meet you. |
Archives |