Walk right or get left. Now how exactly can we take this saying from church and put in our personal life or our school life. For me, of course class started the same time for me as it did everyone else (maybe not for Spencer since he's in law school !!!) But class started and very quickly. By the second class, I felt lost. Felt like I was drowning. I already didn't have a clue what was going on. Was it me? Was I not opening my mind to receive the information? Or was it the teacher? Was she teaching too fast? Was she using words I had never heard of? Did she not take a chance to gage everyone's knowledge of the software at hand? One could say it was a little bit of all of that.
But what now? I had a choice to make. Did I sit there and suffer? Did I waste my money and drop the class? Not exactly. After some thinking, I came to the realization I had a problem. I needed help. So I sought the guidance of my advisor. From that, I faced the fear of confronting my teacher and emailed her. I realized I needed to know who it was that was teaching me and she needed to know me. I couldn't worry about the others in my class and their insecurities. I paid for me and only I held the receipt to my education.
Wow week three of class....what a more refreshing day. My teacher knew my name and acknowledged me by name. I was no longer hiding behind a world of questions (or a computer screen). Answers were more clear. Questions from me and others came out easier. Assistance was more readily available. To me, even her attitude about the class had changed. Was it me? Was it something I said? Or was it simply me trying to develop a relationship with her? I think it was all of the above.
What does all this mean? Well I'll let you look up the biblical sense to the 3 roads to heaven. As for me and school, waking up and acknowledging there was a problem was step one for my road to a degree. I had to put my pride aside. I'm used to being on top things, handling my business as they say. This time though I was bound by fear. Ultimately, my education and desire to excel outweighed the thoughts of what would the advisor or teacher think of me if I approached them about how a class was being taught. I can only help me. I can only fight for me. Getting over that fear, acknowledging I wasn't cutting it and seeking guidance was what I needed to walk right or get left.
9 comments:
Ms. Brenda wrote...Excellent Blog!!! You wrote so well and I got your point exactly. Your words if read by the right person is going to make a difference in their lives. Possibly mine!!! Keep up the good work.
I was actually going to write about a very similar experience I had at the beginning of this semester, but I think you have said it much nicer here. Great post.
"It is not the abilities we are given that define us, but the choices we make."
Professor Dumbledore
Wonderful blog, again, again! And a very relevant subject for many students, I think. Plus, possibly for the occasional teacher: some forget to reach out to their students, "taking temperature" of the individuals' knowledge, some may just wait for people like you, who will reach out to them. My guess is that they will be happy to help: what good teacher would miss out on an opportunity to "produce" a better class, or even expect the students to know everything upfront? Then they wouldn't be sitting there, would they?
Fear is a typical barrier, though when the first question is asked, many more will follow. And the "sillier" the question, the better! Mind, I am convinced that there is no such thing as a stupid question. Keep that in mind, and asking becomes easier. The best teachers will stress that fact too.
Keep up the spirit, girl!
First off, I'm not into biblical things because in all honesty, i don't believe a word of it. To me..it was a book written by a man so there you go...
On going to your teacher to find out about her and to tell her about you and your situtation is great. I think you did the right thing and now...hopefully...you're on the right path to success. IF NOT...let me know her name and whatever....I'll whip her up for you...j/k....Goodluck
Awesome blog as usual! In my opinion you didn't do "all that religious stuff" you simply made a comparison that I thought was awesome! Glad the class is working better for you.
And.......if any non believers care to ask more about the the origin of the bible, the men inspired by GOD to write it for over hundreds of years, and why WE DO believe, they can drop me a line:-) Whenever I see comments like that I like to say its curiousity not denial.
Looking forward to next weeks topic already......
Leslie
Charlene,
I love, love, love this post! It's very true. I know a lot of people who struggle with classes, and their insecurities about asking for help. I myself have had to have that conversation, do I ask for help, or do I struggle? In the end, asking for help just makes your life so much easier!
Courageous and brave, my friend! You should be proud. Good luck as the semester progresses; remember there is no shame in asking for help. Only the weak think they can make it alone.
Great article, Char and I congratulate you on your ability to conqueror your fear (False Evidence Appearing Real). For the person who made the comment about the bible, I'm not even gonna get on my soap box and go there cause for those who don’t know or don’t care to know; it’s truly their lost. Keep up the good work my sistah. I'll be sure to follow you weekly.
As always I want to thank everyone for your comments. You all keep me inspired to write about things that may help or encourage someone. We are all teachers in our special way. Stay blessed everyone
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