What’s Your “Why?”
As I’ve been reflecting on the last decade of life, and how kind God has been to me in the process, I couldn’t help but look back on a season of life - grad school - that was extremely formative and encouraging. I wrote an essay during that time called, “Who Am I As a Teacher?” and I’d love to share some excerpts from that piece with you all here. My hope is that these words would encourage, as always. :)
“As I think about my imprint as a teacher, I genuinely care about the formation, expression, and development of every child that walks through my classroom doors. Not only am I interested in their achievements and discoveries academically, but also just as importantly, socially, emotionally, behaviorally, and even spiritually as is appropriate. I do want to make an imprint that lasts, and be one of the teachers that not only brings joy to my children’s learning experiences in the moment, but also a teacher that they remember fondly when they reminisce on their past. Ultimately, I want as many children to know and deeply believe three things. And even if these three things are intuitive to them as five-year-olds, my hope is they hold onto and strengthen these notions throughout life.
I want to teach students that (1) they are so loved and they have immense potential to love well, (2) there is joy in enduring the learning process and joy in discovery, and (3) they have every right to believe in themselves, even if/when others won’t. Even when we’re thrown a hard lot in life, if we’re rooted in the love we receive, continue to seek out joy in life through learning, and persevere with self-love held tightly as trouble hits, we can endure. We all learn most poignantly from our failings in life it seems; I hope to teach students that it is okay to fail, to be embraced as lovable without needing to perform for that love, and that endurance can only grow when we’re presented with situations that require it. I will set the bar high for every student, only expecting their best, but all the while scaffolding their learning with ample emotional and academic support. Every child can rise to the challenge when presented to them, if only they realize failure is always accompanied by support and tender encouragement…
Thus, my conclusion. I see my time at Curry and my desire to be here as a time of intentional reflection, preparation for the struggles that may come, and a constant reminder of my “why.” I cannot say that I engage with this profession with consistent excitement and optimism. Sometimes I dread how demanding the work may be and just how exhausted I might feel. But what I love about teaching is deeply rooted in my “why,” why I do this: the kids. My sense of purpose in this work is profound, and when times get tough, as they always do, I do this for them. Always for them. All of my efforts towards their learning and potential love of it will make the long hours worth it, the difficult children worth pursuing, and my own personal character growth possible. I can’t imagine becoming a more servant-hearted, patient, encouraging, kind person if I’m not challenged to be those things and more. I see teaching as the avenue through which I learn servanthood, patience, encouragement, and kindness. What a powerful purpose and inspiring profession.”
I hope that you’re able to answer your “why” as well. Why do you do what you do? Be encouraged today: we live for a sense of purpose and meaning in our lives. We can achieve a deep sense of purpose when life is meaningful, full, and full of meaningful work. I believe that everyone has a “why” to what they do. My challenge and question to each of you reading this is: is your “why” a good one? Is it sustainable? Will it make a lasting, eternal impact on others? Life is worth living because of others. A lonesome life is only some life. Life becomes beautiful and big when life becomes encompassed by the fulfilling of needs and loving of others. Life is not about us, but about others experiencing love and compassion because of and through us. My challenge and encouragement today is this: know your “why.” That changes everything.
