Circles of Influence
Below is part of an IM with my friend tonight... one of the "web design groupies" who has been a silent partner in my degree this year. We talk a lot about the power of community. He's only 20, but he often has some really good insights. The book he quotes from below is called "Be Still And Know, Reflections from Living Buddha, Living Christ" by Thich Nhat Hanh.
DK: is it something you can type here?
KMH: "It is much easier to attain stability, joy, and freedom if you practice in community with others."
DK: :-)
KMH: reminded me of your communities of practice
DK: very cool... i like it
DK: and i fully agree
KMH: :-)
I guess I am to him and my other students what some of my Pepperdine professors are to me... it is exciting to know that I have opened up his mind to a broader perspective and that I can help him look at things through different lenses. I think this is part of why I love teaching community college. It's almost like being a kindergarten teacher. I am in a position to influence people at the earliest stages of their journey through higher education. If I can help them develop a passion for learning, I have done what I set out to do. It just doesn't get any better than this :)
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This is awesome Deb. You've got that "more capable peer" thing going on! I look at people like Sue and Bill, then you and Val, then those you are mentoring -- and it all comes into focus. They help us, we help the next generation. And the more you give, the more you get back. Great stuff.
BTW -- you owe me a blogging lesson. I wanna be like YOOOOUUUUU --- goats and all. :-)
Posted by: Cat | July 21, 2003 11:09 PM
The same friend blogged this about my graduation... when I read it, it made me feel like I was on the right track :)
"I can not explain the inspiration you feel when you see someone that once taught you in a classroom, walk across a stage. In a good way she is saying I don't know everything but I am not going to stop striving for every bit I can take...with a family and life as huge as hers that experience was nothing short of amazing. She always continues to inspire me while standing by my side instead of in front. She knows that sometimes we sprint ahead but she's ok with that she's willing to trip us and make a quick pass into the forefront."
Posted by: Debby | July 27, 2003 6:39 PM