Peers and students, my opinions..

[ND Wederstrandt]

In response to Pug's comment:
>  I have often wondered if having a formal teacher-student relationship
>  would actually benefit me or if I could continue on my own with the
>  progress I want.

For some people like in Gio's letter, they need a formal relationship.
some actually benefit from having another with whom to work.  I actually
like to give my patronage to people.  Where I can help I will try, whether
advice, or goods or instruction.  I try to encourage by giving.
>
>  In the area of the Arts and Sciences, although I am interested in
>  caligraphy, illumination, cooking and dance, my primary drive is in
>  brewing and vinting.
>
It used to be that a peer was well versed in many areas as well as one
particular area of interest.  Even though I can no longer dance, I did and
I know several dances well enough to teach them.  Unfortunately I know
beans about heavy weapons except it all looks like it hurts.  I do know
some about light weapons and was taught some by Lord Aonghus Graehme who
was in the SCA before White Scarves were around.  (Tivar might remember
him)  Peers usually wind up knowing a little bit about a lot of stuff.

>  In the area of competitions, I plan on never entering one. On the
>  other hand, I will, when I feel my skills are high enough, do displays,
>  but I don't feel comfortable with the idea of saying this thing is
>  better than that thing.

I,too, do not like competitions but many people need a competition.  One of
the reasons why  Kingdom A&S alternates with Laurel's Prize Tourney is that
some need to compete and some don't.

>  In the area of service, I don't quite understand what the criteria are
>  for different things. I know that I do whatever I can to help out for
>  meetings, events, and on the net. This is just what I do cause I like
>  it. (It's part of what makes me good at my mundane job of System and
>  Network Admin too.)

This is the whole point of how to want to be a Peer.  I don't recommend
that anyone ever do something that they don't like.  I enjoy doing stuff at
events.  If I go to a strange place and know no one, I work in the kitchen
or help some one.  I enjoy being of use because it means that I am included
and a part of the group.  The criteria is harder to understand on service
-- maybe that's why thereare leser Pelicans than others.
>
>  Do I think any of this is worthy of recognition? Hell no. I'd still be
>  doing the same things without an award system.

Hell yes, it's what makes a good peer.  I'd do all the stuff I do because
it's who and what I am.  I do the same thing at other places.  Case in
point, Thomas and I went to an awards banquet for a poetry group Thomas
belongs to .  He knows almost everyone there nd I know about three people.
I wandered over and started helping one of them set up the microphones cuz
she needed help and I got bored.
(Maybe that's why I get into so much trouble... cuz I get bored  *wink*)
>
 There are people who seek to be a Peer and go looking for it.  They are
some who happen into it  because they do something they love.  Those people
usually wind up inspiring others and infecting them to do things.... they
make good Peers.  Which would you rather be?

Jumping down from her soapbox, rope firmly attached around her neck

Clare