A Tale of Three Swords
Story has ever been an important part of my life. Movies like the Lord of the Rings and Star Wars have long captured my imagination. To the extent that for a while, I desired to make movies for myself. A hands on experience in the film industry dissuaded me away from such a life path, however, my passion for story translated to History. I have seen the fold of history as a real life applicable drama for us to examine and to learn from. However, that love was first manifested in my love of the big screen epics. 
Finally, a recent experience has confirmed that working with youth is where my future resides. While less related to my drive of social studies, an experience as a camp counselor at Lake Ann Camp near Traverse City, Michigan has left a burning desire to invest in youth. My desire was confirmed here, however, it began long before. My raising in a Christian home has developed in me a humble spirit ready to serve others. Living in a home established on principles from the Sword of the Spirit, The Bible, has raised me up in a way in which I desire to care for the youth of today. I have seen a significant amount of suffering from young people, which has led me to invest in the future through education of youth. 
Thank you for sharing. History is an amazing subject. It seems natural to me that a love of movies could transform to a love of history. History is taking all the pieces of information of a time and seeing the narrative underneath and bringing coherence and structure for others to learn from it. I think a passion for your subject is one of the most important things for a teacher. It seems to me that passion is one of the only things a teacher can't learn as they go, so if you have the passion, everything else will fall into place.
ReplyDeleteThis is a really great backstory that you've shared with us. Based off of your love of story telling, it's obvious that history is a natural path for you. I think that your desire to be a history teacher because the need to help those that are suffering is very noble. We all want to help those who need it and you make clear that it has to do with your religious background, something I never considered about my own motivations for teaching.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. I enjoyed your story. I can definitely relate, through my own experiences with my church youth, I too had this desire to keep helping/teaching youth. Also being raised in a Christian household, this desire to help was further reinforced.
ReplyDeleteYou teacher seems to be the teacher that we all should inspire to be. Teachers need to be able to show their passion for history to keep their students engaged. I had countless of teachers in high school who seemed that they didn't enjoy teacher and it really reflected in their classroom.
ReplyDeleteFirst off, love the fact you enjoy Star Wars because I'm a major Star Wars fan myself. Now, I find it cool you were inspired to teach through the creative instruction because that can help make education enjoyable such as Roman history. Which makes me wonder if you would consider teaching Greek/Roman history (ancient civilization) but either way its nice to see some inspiration through some of the arts to educate others in the value of history.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the tightly constructed narrative around these defining symbols. The engagement of others through service acts like teaching really does separate those who can teach from those who simply disseminate content. Having models in the way of your former History teacher is so important as you think of how to build your own practice, in a way that both honors the models you have worked with and creates spaces for you to develop your own uniquer identity as an educator. After reading this narrative, I'm curious if you see yourself teaching in public or private school? These can be difficult decisions to make since the pay is greater in public schools, but the alignment of one's spiritual practice in the context of teaching can often be greater in the private school setting. Very interesting post.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. Like you I was also raised in a christian home and I see where you are coming from, when you talk about serving the youth. Although, I do not consider myself to be very religious I still try to stay involved in the youth group at my church to help steer the kids in the right direction!
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