I was once there
letting your students know that everybody has a starting point and it may be at the bottom and its ok to start there I started at the bottom now look where I'm at now
Zack,
This is a great opportunity for you to share and your students to hear because you are a walking billboard for your school and your program. You were in the same seats as they are now so they know you know how the course and program operates. This is a powerful connecting point with the students and it is great that you have these experiences to share.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I was once there... I like using this in my teaching I actually did go to the same school I teach at. (13yrs ago) Its very motivating when someone is having a hard time or just questioning career paths.
13 yrs prior
Naomi,
As you know being an educator is more than just sharing content. You are also sharing with them information about how to have successful lives. Hard work, energy and effort are still three success factors in life. Our students need to hear this information over and over as they move through their courses. This will help them to shape their careers in a way that will bring them satisfaction both professionally and personally.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree with you as well if one keeps telling their students that everyone has to start somewhere it makes things easier for them to feel that they too can finish school. I share with my students that not too many people are born with the privilege of being born with a silver spoon in their mouth and things as usually not handed to them on a silver platter. People need to work hard for what they want and if they work hard they will have an even deeper pride and self accomplishment than if it was handed to them. Being able to tell the students as well that it does not matter how you are also makes a difference and they tend to feel a lot more comfortable in the classroom.
Clifton,
Knowing they have such an experienced instructor is good for the students to know. This gives them an understanding of about the quality of instruction their are receiving. This also gives them a goal if they want to enjoy the success that you have enjoyed in your field.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I have 35 years of practical application of the many varied skills and knowledge based information I teach my students. They recognize this (and feel intimidated to a degree when failing to meet their own expectations) yet I am ever ready to tell them that I was not born with this fully resultant understanding & clinical ability. I inform them that I too made many mistakes in the beginning and later down the line yet the learning time & experience gathered, resulted in one who now instructs them...
Michelle,
You are a poster child for success. You did it and now you are instructing them. You are showing and sharing with them the human factor of success since you worked through the outside pressures and challenges to successfully complete school. I know this is inspiring for the students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I relate deeply to many of my students, because I truly was once in their many of their shoes... trying to complete school with young children, a spouse and financial problems. I know it was tough. I tell my students my story and reassure them that I am not any more focused or determined than any of them. If I could do it, so can they!
I also remember what it was like to be sitting in the classroom chair listening to the instructor and stressing about all the school work that needed to be done. I am empathetic to them in that way as well.
Donald,
An important part of being an instructor for sure.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
We all started out some where. We all started at the Basics and Moved up let your Students Know that you were once where they are. Encourgage them to grow.
