What Really Matters to Me
I wrote this for a class I am taking and I wanted to share. Not sure why. I guess the universe told me to.
I decided to do some stream of consciousness writing this week. Just a 20-minute timer and flow of thoughts on paper. Let’s see what flows…
I have noticed that themes occur in my life on a regular basis. Maybe it’s because that is what I am focusing on, or maybe it is the universe working its magic. This week the theme for most of the readings I have done, and experiences I have had have revolved around the idea of curiosity, inclusivity and engagement.
Curiosity about others, but especially the intermediate learner (i.e. teenager) who’s elusive aloof nature screams “I don’t need you and I don’t care” but deep inside craves connection and understanding.
Inclusivity for all students no matter their gifts, exceptionalities, abilities, disabilities, colour, sexual identity or postal code.
Engagement of the parents, the teachers, the administration, the government and the country to create a place to learn that does not indoctrinate sameness or create little soldiers who “do as we say, not as we do”.
I became a teacher later in life for a reason:
To make a difference in young people's lives.
To help them uncover who they truly are, who they were born to be, and to show them the good inside them when they are struggling to see it in themselves.
To teach self-love and empathy.
To teach that joy comes from the pursuit of a passion or a goal, rather than the attainment of a goal.
That hard work isn’t so hard when it means something to you.
That school, life, and people suck sometimes, and that the only person that you can control is yourself.
To teach them personal responsibility, give them autonomy, make them feel competent, engaged and connected to who they are and the people around them.
I don’t want them to feel like I did when I was in school; underwhelmed, disengaged, misunderstood, bored as hell and told that my feelings were not valid.
“Stop being so sensitive.”
“Mia is always distracted.”
I even remember my grade 7 math teacher Mr. Thyer slapping me for writing notes. I was a good kid inside a kid with bad behaviours. I had unmet needs.
The reality is this: Not once have I mentioned that I want to teach them math, or science, or french.
Is that wrong? That is my worry.
Can I do what I want to do in the school system as it is today? In a classroom with so many different needs and little support? With a ministry and government who is doing EXACTLY what we shouldn’t be doing as educators and leaders; not listening to the needs of others and going along with our own agendas.
Truth is, I don’t know. Only time will tell. I guess I will have to wait until the universe tells me what to do. Until then, all I can do is focus on one question:
What can I do right now to make this situation better?
For now, it means not losing hope even with the state of the education system being what it is right now. And keep doing what I am doing. Being curious, connecting to others, engaging in the process of becoming an educator, and believing in the good of the Universe.
Every morning when I wake up I write the same thing in my journal:
I trust the good inside me.
I trust the good in others.
I trust the good in the Universe.
Everything is going to be O.K.
And it will.
Thanks for reading.