Dear Docents,
Happy June! Though it is not yet summer by the calendar, we sure have experienced summer weather already. Please take care of yourself out there on your tours! And while our tourees are responsible for themselves, make sure to find those shady spots for them. I have even taken a “soda break” on a walking tour that stopped outside a fast-food restaurant and it was much appreciated.
As you read this, I will be in Italy for the first time, and I expect to learn much more about architecture. My whole life, I have struggled with “imposter syndrome.” Whether it was in my professional life or elsewhere, I never felt as if I belonged. Did I really know what I was doing….did I know what I was talking about?
Becoming a CAC docent has helped me get past imposter syndrome. As I learned about commercial architecture of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, I became acutely aware that this is a small slice of the history of world architecture. I know it and know it well. I believe I can communicate the details and importance of this architecture. But, when I encounter architecture, I know NOTHING about, I breathe a sigh—it’s OK. I am not an architecture expert. I am a Chicago commercial architecture “expert”, I guess.
We are in the process of educating more experts in this area. There has been a huge response to the information sessions on docent training. For the first time this year, we will be teaching the River Cruise in the initial training class. Some have asked me why, and the reason is simple. We need more River Cruise docents, and we need them quickly. Our partners at Chicago’s First Lady have added many departures, and without 2021 and 2022 classes, we don’t have our typical “new docent” talent pool to draw upon. So in 2023, all trainees will take fundamentals; then some of the class will learn the River Cruise while others will learn walking tours. The expectation is that the river trainees will later learn walking tours and vice versa! I give the river and walking tours. I love them both for different reasons, and anticipate that our new trainees will love them both as well.
I am likely enjoying Italy as you read this. Right now, I am a bit of “trainee” as I learn something about Italian architecture. And though I feel I have beaten my “imposter syndrome” demons, perhaps a little Italian architecture knowledge will help broaden my scope and increase my confidence.
I am looking forward to getting back home and back to walking tours and River Cruises!
Kent.