Experience

Today's Thought was one that I found just when I was searching most for why I wanted to teach. It seems only fitting then that I write about it as I'm questioning my own ability to teach. I think part of my frustration is simply not having that experience.

As I've gone through my formal schooling, one thing has become painfully obvious: it is extremely hard to provide any continuity in the classroom. I really like this picture because at times it seems like you are simply putting down random dots whenever you learn something in the classroom. It's not until you truly get some experience that you connect those dots.
What is your experience? While random knowledge is good, a web of connected understanding is much better. Yes, school is great, but we can't be afraid to get out there, make mistakes and get some experience. One thing that I have a hard time remembering is that the web doesn't form overnight. It takes years of practice to truly get an airtight, true education. What is your experience? If it isn't much, get out there, get some experience. Connect the dots.

Building

Today's Thought is one of those that I've been putting off for quite some time. Today marks a few different things. Not only is it the last 'first' day of my undergrad career, it is also the first day I step into the role of teacher. Thinking back over the years that have led to this moment, I can't help but see how things have built upon each other.

My Rome, has hardly been built in a day. Things worth having, important things, tough things - they take time. Even today, I'm drawing on things that I learned in my first teaching experience back in my high school chemistry class.

What is your Rome? Perhaps like me, it's a career and a way of life that you have cultivated over years and years of experience.  No matter what your 'Rome' is, just remember that something worth having takes time.

Hungry

Today's Thought comes from the great mind of the late Steve Jobs. While this isn't his most popular quote, I do believe it speaks strongly to folks of my age. It's so easy to get caught up in trying to do things by the book, get the A+, get a good job that we forget what it's like to be hungry and foolish.

At the beginning of my summer, I thought back to another great summer experience: attending Washington Leadership Conference (WLC) through FFA in Washington DC. What made WLC such a great experience? What made it fun? In the end, I came down to two points: 1) I had no expectations and 2) I had a desire to prove myself. In short, I was hungry to show what I was all about, I wanted to prove my worth.

Think back to one of your best experiences in your life. What made it so great? I'd venture a guess that you too had this sense of hunger to prove yourself. Or maybe it was on the other side of the spectrum. Maybe you just didn't care what people thought of you. You found a way to stay foolish. So don't worry so much about what's supposed to happen. Don't worry about following the path. Maintain that sense of hunger. Stay foolish.