As many know, today I started my new job as a student mentor and English tutor at Los Angeles City College. This job was an answer to a prayer deeply rooted in my heart. I love helping people improve their writing. Interestingly, this love is not rooted in a passion or desire to see students empowered but rather in seeing them improve the skill of writing. This is not at all to say that I don't want students to feel good when they see improvement but that isn't what drives me. But some are driven by that. And that is what sets certain people apart from the rest of us. People who are driven, motivated, encouraged, inspired by the sheer process of personal development in their fellow man. There is a name for these special, set apart people. Teachers.
I have always held a certain amount of respect for good teachers. Today, that respect was affirmed and increased. Though I really believe that I will enjoy my new job immensely, I also know that my passion is for English Literature and not for teaching English Literature. Today, I saw many students who seemed to emit a disdain for being in school. I understand that to some degree. And I sympathize. But I knew, as I still do, that school, as tedious as I may find it sometimes, is a means to an end. I was always prepared, committed to tasks and assignments, and though not necessarily eager to participate actively, always eager to learn. Some students had looks of absolute boredom and were out the door before the professor finished speaking. I just had to ask myself, "Why are they here? This is college. They aren't required to be here. The professor has to do her best to teach them something." But I digress.
To be so inspired, rejuvenated and uplifted by simply seeing students learn is a special gift indeed. I think that we should often meditate on this fact and give thanks for all the great teachers we've had in our lives and the great teachers that we know. I don't know that my heart will ever be fully dedicated to teaching. I might end up there on a different level. We'll see. I'd rather write but the Lord might change my heart. Don't take for granted all the good teachers you've had and the ones you will have. Appreciate them. Thank them. Help them. It's not an easy job.
What it means to be a woman, a wife, and a student, from a sinner that's still learning.
OK, so I'm not a writer. Please don't correct my grammar or I might be tempted to ask you to solve a derivative or an integral calculus problem.
ReplyDeletePeople just don't know how good they have it until someone points it out. True, it's quite a challenge to "try" to teach people who are apathetic and don't have an appreciating for learning. I can actually deal with that: there are people, young ones especially, that not only don't want to learn, but try their best to stop others from learning with their negativity and disruptions.
I've been to teacher trainings where my fellow teachers refuse to shut up. I actually confronted 2 young teachers about their disruptions. One was a gentleman about it and recognize the error of his way, the other said I was full manure (Language cleaned up). I figured my average was .500: even Manny Ramirez in his better days didn't hit 500.
Truth be told, we will always encounter toxic people wherever we go. I've been taught to stay away from them, lest I might become like them. Years ago someone told me that if I think dealing with kids is hard, try dealing with adults. I think dealing with students at the J.C. level is quite a challenge.
I am glad however, that you're working with them, as I believe it will make a better person. Enjoy it and remember, whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
I love kid
dad.
good stuff, D! (from a teacher and a writer ;) - who learns lots from her students and who always needs a good editor :)
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