Jessa Adler the Artist

I have always been artistic, even painting pieces for many friends and family members. However, in the last year, something inside me changed. I have big feelings! I have big feelings as a mom, and I try to be the best one I can. I also have big feelings as a teacher. I hold the hearts of my students in my chest all the time. Last fall, I was juggling a lot in many ways: being a mom, coach, teacher, wife, friend, coworker, daughter, and sister, and at times, I felt overwhelmed. I’m a bit of a perfectionist, and I want to be the best at whatever I am doing.

My favorite quote is from Steve Prefontaine - “To give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice the gift.”

Well, last year, in particular, I felt like I wasn’t at the top of giving my best. The days as a first grade teacher can be long, but the years really are short. When I see one of my students struggling, his or her struggles become mine and they live in my heart and mind all the time. Eventually, I realized I needed to paint my feelings. I needed to let them out so that I could release the worry and find the joy. Then, that paint ignited something inside me that I didn’t even know was there. It started a new journey for me - being free like a first grader!