The Duck Pond Splash Down

A story about Miss Lyon’s, who had a positive impact on my life.

One person who had a significant impact on my life was my secondary school art teacher, Miss Lyons. She was not only an instructor but a pivotal figure in my artistic journey. Her influence began one day when she handed me a tattered, well-loved copy of Po: Beyond Yes and No by Edward de Bono. Though worn, this book became a treasure in my library, its pages turning over 50 years later.

Miss Lyons saw potential in me that I hadn’t recognised myself. She encouraged me to pursue both the CSE and GCSE in art, affirming my abilities and the value of my creative contributions. Her support made me feel talented and capable in a world that often overlooks the arts.

Her teachings went beyond the technical aspects of art; she imbued in me a profound philosophy that “in art there are no wrong answers,” which has encouraged me to embrace creativity without fear of judgement. This idea, along with the lessons from de Bono’s book, reshaped my consciousness, teaching me to “think outside the box” and understand that dedication to a craft can lead to improvement and mastery.

My school years concluded with just two GCSEs in Art and Math. Although I passed several CSEs, they were regarded as having little value. Yet, inspired by Miss Lyons’s belief in continuous improvement, self belief
and lateral thinking, I persevered in my education. At college, I achieved five additional GCSEs, an ‘A’ Level, a TEC, and eventually a BSc.

These lessons from Miss Lyons have not only moulded my approach to art but have also influenced how I navigate challenges and opportunities in life. I am forever grateful for her guidance and the enduring wisdom she imparted, which continues to inspire me to view the world through a lens of limitless possibilities.

The simple fact: that she must have seen something in me that prompted her to share such a forward-thinking book. Even now I wonder at this possibility.

Looking back, I realise that Miss Lyons’s influence extended far beyond the art classroom. Her faith in my abilities and her philosophical teachings on creativity and problem-solving instilled in me a resilience and a perspective that underpinned my academic pursuits and career. Her one act of giving me that book was not just a moment of inspiration; it was a catalyst that has shaped the entire trajectory of my life.