Ok, so maybe it's not that simple, but I do love how Palmer speaks simply and candidly. I was worried at first after reading the Rilke poem, which I was sure must have had several words misspelled and/or omitted by the editor. I appreciate Palmer trying to explain it on page 5, but I just don't get it. Fortunately, things only got better from there. Even as someone who has done very limited non-formal teaching in the past, I was not only able to follow, but truly relate to Palmer's words.
There was one point that the author made that stuck with me more than the others. This story of Professor X on pages 23 and 24 reminded me a lot of a professor or two who I've had in the past. But to hear how that hard exterior melted away, and why that rough exterior existed in the first place was truly enlightening for me. In my life I have had numerous mentors who I have looked up to and tried to model my life after. Similar to Professor X, I felt rather inadequate when I fell short of emulating these huge figures in my life.
Thanks to this account, I now know that's perfectly ok! In fact, that's how it's supposed to be. If everyone was able to imitate everyone else, just imagine how boring things would get. We are to take the lessons and influences we receive from different individuals throughout our lives and combine them into being the best person we can be. I suppose this all comes back to the intersections of our lives that sculpt our individual identities and integrity.
Tom, I knew this was your post even before I looked at the name just from the title and the first paragraph. I love your enthusiasm even though I like to pretend I don't. It's great to be around positive people and I think we will be learning a lot from each other this year as we learn to work together. I found the story about the gruff teacher breaking down touching as well. He had good intentions in emulating his mentor but failed by not being himself. Keep on the sunny side Tom!
ReplyDeleteI also have appreciated your enthusiasm for every morning that comes. I often find myself wishing that I had that same enthusiasm every day. I also appreciated the story of Professor X, I wish some of my professors might have had a similar experience.
ReplyDeleteI hope to learn a lot from others, and I think I have that ability down. What I am not as sure about, or as confident about is figuring out my own style. Hopefully, we can learn this from each other as well.
To answer your question, I do love teaching. I do not look at it like I have left teaching. I need to get a master's degree to get a pay raise. So, that is why I am here doing what I am doing. I would have loved to stay in N.M. and take night classes, but there is no EE program in N.M. Yes, I do feel that I will return and teach for many years to come.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement ladies! Brightening the days of others is what keeps me going!
ReplyDeleteAs far as learning from each other, I could not agree with you more. Not only is it just a cool resource to be able to take advantage of, but it think it is pivotal to our success in the program and in Whatever Comes Next. Sara and I had a lovely conversation about this at her party, actually. The nine of us come from such diverse backgrounds and we all bring so many different skills to the table. As long as we continue to learn from each other, collaborate with one another, and incorporate those experiences into our respective identities and integrities, what can we do BUT succeed?! I, for one, greatly look forward to learning more and more from all of you. Thank you, in advance, for those lessons.