[MR] Apprentices/Students

[Terry L. Neill]

Greetings!

I'm not the best person to discuss this, as my apprenticeship to Master 
Gerekr the Farseeing was tenuous and long distance; and I've never had an 
apprentice of my own.  However.

There is a difference between an apprentice and a student.  By custom in the 
SCA, only members of the Order of the Laurel take apprentices.  Apprentices 
are usually more intimate--parts of one's household, for example.

Anyone can have students.  Students can be close friends or casual 
acquaintences.

At some point in my vigil, a member of the Order of the Laurel gave me this 
point to ponder (and I apologize most profusely that I can't remember who it 
was!!)

"If someone asks to become your apprentice, ask that person in return what 
they expect to achieve by being your apprentice that you would not freely 
offer to anyone who came to you for knowledge."

I think I can safely state that members of the Order of the Laurel have no 
problems freely sharing their knowledge with anyone who asks politely.  In 
fact, I feel fairly comfortable stating that the majority of SCAdians, 
regardless of rank, have no problems sharing with somone who asks politely.

If you are looking for a teacher in your craft, look around for someone who 
does what you do, only better. Ask your local A&S officer.  Check out the 
Atlantian A&S web page (www.moas.atlantia.sca.org). Haunt A&S competitions.  
Attend local A&S workshops.  Join a guild.  Read TI, the Oak, and Compleat 
Anachronists.  Look at what people are doing off in their corners of an 
event.

The teacher you find may not be a Companion of the Laurel. That's OK.  There 
are splendid artisans and teachers in this Kingdom who haven't (yet!) been 
elevated.

If you are looking for a mentor, a guide, a shoulder to be frustrated 
on--again that need not be a Companion of the Laurel.  But if it is, then 
ask politely.  Get to know that Companion, ask for advice or a class.

Some of our order like for a person to ask to be an apprentice; some would 
rather do the asking themselves.  Some aren't interested in taking 
apprentices; some are.  We're an eclectic bunch.

But please do not be afraid to approach a Companion with questions or 
requests for teaching.  That's why we're in the order in the first place!

Ana Ilevna said at her elevation that she wanted her medallian of the Order 
of the Laurel to not be a barrier.  She wanted everyone to think of it as an 
invitaion.

Regards!

Mesterinde Anarra Karlsdottir, OL
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