When a defining moment presents itself you can either define the moment or let the moment define you …..
This idea was discussed at our pre-planning meeting by Pastor Hutch Garmony (Grace Community Church) and it is something I have been thinking about quite a bit lately. My story of this profession began as a middle school student I am a member of Generation X. The histories of Generation Xers are not that nostalgic — generally they are the product of some video game, music video, or movie. Though I did have mentors and models and have experienced many influential moments in my life the moment that inspired me to become an educator came during my first (of many) viewings of Dead Poet’s Society. It was when the great and hilarious Robin Williams answered the questions posed by Thoreau about the meaning of life to his classroom full of Pubescent brainiacs. (Williams) “The answer….That you are here, that life exists & Identity. That the powerful play goes on and you contribute a verse…. What will your verse be?” Even though at the time I did not fully grasp this powerful statement, I knew I was inspired and I knew I wanted to inspire others, I knew I wanted to grow others. I wanted to experience what it is like to influence and impact people. I wanted more and more of that feeling you get when a student who is not supposed to make it, makes it or when a group of people accomplish something that society says they don’t have the capacity to accomplish. It got me then and it gets me today. What’s your story? How did you get here? Why are you still here? Is this your calling, or is it more a job that pays the bills? If it is just a job, why not do something else? Very curious to hear your story, please feel free to share as you feel led