WK3 Response #1- Michael Melvin

Michael wrote:

My favorite personal saying is “I may not be the light, but I will the spark.”

It’s about relationships and motivating others passion. In our society we call, chat, text and social network, all of them lack the personal relations of face to face. Each can be cold and misinterpreted. When we reach out to others we should leave an impression. When we motivate them through their passions, dreams or aspirations we liberate them to be better and do great things. Parents and teachers spark interest and passion of students to be whatever they want in life. Or they can diminish that light that a child holds.

My goal in life and teaching is if I can’t be the light then at least be the spark that inspire others to be the light. Which lights the way or inspires others to be better, do better and live. I become a guide, mentor, motivator and the challenger for those around me, my family, friends, co-workers and students. That’s important to me, I believe in leaving legacies and the only way we can do that is by developing relationships.

I remember in college how some of my professors would invite use to their home or the local coffee shop just to talk. That showed me that they were people just like me, that’s the type of teacher and one day professor I hope to be.

“I may not be the light, but I will the spark.”

I commented:

It's not what you tell them, it's how you make them feel...

I can't remember where I heard that, but it totally makes sense. I remember the first time I met my favorite teacher in high school, Rolf Eklund. I was a sophomore and wouldn't be fortunate to have his class for another year, and for the most part, I was used to being looked down upon. So, when another teacher told me to go get a projector from him in the AV room, there he was, looking all old, stern, and scary, but within the first 30 seconds, I noticed his gentle and FUNNY energy. Instantly, I was a fan of this guy, and I was lucky to have his class the following next two years.