Monday through Friday, 180 days a year, from 7:10 to 2:20, I hang out with kids who are almost four decades younger than I. And I do it voluntarily. Yes, there is the paycheck, but I could do other things with my degrees. Instead, I choose to teach.
Before you begin oohing and aahing and telling me that I'm a hero (although I suppose I am, academic-wise), know that I learn as much - if not more - from my students. Their perspectives range from naive to informed to jaded, and I'm always amazed at the ferocity they display in defending their points of view. It's my challenge to help them learn how to channel this intellectual energy into something productive and useful for society. After all, they will be voting and defending this country in just two short years, and I want them to know WHY they do what they do and make an informed choice
Analysis is not something we're born with. It's a skill we need to learn, much as sharing our toys and respecting those around us needs to be learned. So, as another school year begins, I take up my challenge with new vigor. Just check back with me in May.
And keep reading. Books, as Guy Montag in 'Fahrenheit 451' knew, are a conduit to knowledge, and knowledge is the ultimate in power,
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