Wednesday May 22nd 2024- Today I got out of bed a little easier than yesterday. Going to sleep on time sure does help get my day started. This makes me wonder why I even stay up late in the first place. Now that I think about it, the television has a lot to do with it. I think a. tv could be a useful tool however it is often overused and misappropriated but that is a discussion for another episode(Podcast?). Lately I have been spending more time outside, drinking lots of water, and eating a balanced diet. In grade school, I trained myself to get up early in order to make it to the bus stop on time. This took some getting use to and I often found myself sprinting through the door with my backpack halfway on, a pop tart in one hand, and a skateboard in the other. In undergraduate college I started getting up to see the sun rise on the way to university. Now, in my graduate school years, I find myself rising in order to make it to the gym, type this blog, and clean my house. Time management has become the tool that I use most often. This is because it allows me to have dedicated safe spaces where I can wear different hats and practice a diverse set of skills. There is a saying that says "Everything seems like a nail to the one with a hammer". I am a man of many interests and for a while there you might have thought me to be a hoarder. The truth of the matter is that I was having a hard time managing academia. At first I blamed it on my current educational facilitators, claiming that their information was poorly organized and inconsistent. Although that is partially true, I have healed from that mindset and moved on to one that takes responsibility for my actions. By focusing on what I am able to accomplish in a day, a minute, an hour, and everything in between, I have emboldened my efforts. Now I question whether the so called "teachers" are the ones on the podiums, in the audience, or both. I have come to the conclusion that each one teach one starts with self. If we highlight who the real teachers are then we can better manage expectations. The reality is that each of us is our own teacher. Think about how many times a mom or dad has told you that you don't listen. In my personal experience, I have heard this from my mother and the fact of the matter is that I listen with intent to comprehend. However, the comprehension comes through teachable moments and although we try to create these environments, they pale in comparison to the ones organically shaped through life experiences. So, although I wanted to heed my parent's warning, I had not fully come to terms with what was being suggested. Instead of going in one ear and out the other, the knowledge layed dormant in my memory until life brought upon the circumstances that allowed for proverbial conceptualization. All in all, I am thankful for those who call themselves teachers whether it be at school or in the house. Yet still, I would say to them, "Be patient and let them learn. Be present and let them see." Thank you all for reading and until tomorrow, continue learning, evolving, and improving yourself!
- Jai'Kir