If you’re lucky, you get one good leg to run with a student. They’re on a long race, and you get your turn in the relay. You do your best, and you try to leave the teachers to come after you in a strong position.
Every time I see a former student making music – in a church, in a community choir or theatre production, in a music school recital, on Broadway – I feel honored to have been a part in their relay, and glad that that student is still making music on their race.
Do your best. Leave the ones after you in a strong position. And then, cheer on your student after you finish your leg.