WK1 Response #2- Charles Mills

Chuck wrote:

I don’t read much at all. Though I enjoy reading, my life is so busy I find it difficult to find the time. Over the years I have read very few books with the exception of the bible. Many of my friends can’t understand this because their perception of the bible is that it is a book of rules, of do’s and don’ts, of penalties and judgment (hell, fire and brimstone), and weeping and gnashing of teeth (as one professor recently alluded to in a Wimba session). These things are not what stand out to me. I see hope, redemption, forgiveness, compassion, love, and the fact that though I could never “measure up”, I am an “A”.


Life on the other hand can cause me to lose faith when I lose sight of the right perspective. I refer to not only spiritual faith, but faith in others…like faith in my students! When I consider my teaching career, with all its ups and downs, I can clearly see how I have allowed myself to be boxed in and consequently, have drawn boxes for my students to operate within. It reminds me of an auto commercial that came out several years ago of a young driver being instructed to “stay between the lines”. When the “lines” ran into a roadblock (traffic), the driver turned and went off road…and did just fine! I rationalize drawing boxes for the purpose of “safety”, careful to protect my students and me. Most of it is because of a few minor mistakes made when some “liberties” were taken with video projects. Reflecting on the reading and considering my classes, I see that I have become judgmental and am limiting possibilities for my students. Time to step outside some of the lines I have drawn and open my eyes to a world of possibilities for my students.

I commented:

Chuck,

I'm all about trying to get perspective on life and its problems when things get trying. There is really something to be said for the 'forest before the trees' saying.

At my job (or any job for that matter) I find that it is the mark of any good professional to step outside the lines and realize things for what they really are. It's perspective and the ability to gain perspective that keeps us productive, cooperative, and SANE!!

I witness coworkers every day wrapped up in their own tiny little world and sometimes I just have to look at them and just say...'a www...look at them thinking that the world revolves around them...' kind of like how I look at a video of a bulldog riding a skateboard.