Occasionally I post things elsewhere which are relevant.
This is one of those occasions.
Basically it is the idea that most people aren't going to work as hard as you will. If that's true then you're in a good place. If that's not true then you need to work harder to get there.
I'm often amazed at how much students have learned by the end of the semester. When you learn a great deal you can't help but talk about it. Reflection is such an important aspect of learning. Those that reflect effectively are able to retain more readily. The nuances are revealed. They were always there but upon reflection they become more clear. This is very important. Not to mention that if you've written something down you will be able to refer to it later. I very much encourage my students (if ever they stumble upon this blog) to keep the writings and reflections that meant the most to them over the past semester or year. In a way, you've synopsized the course for yourself. You will look back on your former you and remember your former you doing things and feeling things because you wrote it down when you felt it.
Seriously... keep them. I still have my acting journals from my freshman year of College in Minnesota. The note from 9/11 is extremely poignant. As a freshman I was cast as the lead on the mainstage my first semester. I reflected about the nature of art, doubting its importance in relation to broad sweeping "real life" events. Yet, when I look back on that me I realize that he was just beginning his journey in theatre. His journey in art. I can tell you today that art is important. I've learned a great deal since then.
To conclude, then, let me encourage everyone to continue to work diligently over the summer months. It's very easy to return to the former way of doing things. Being lazy and unproductive. You've learned so much. I've learned so much. Why wouldn't we continue to learn?
Go find a stupid book about cats at some huge retailer and perform a monologue.
You should probably all write a play too.
You are right, Kyle. I have kept tons of notes, handouts and folders that I have accumulated ever since middle school and brought them with me here to Tech and piled up more and more.
ReplyDeleteI have decided to compromise with myself and not throw out everything now. :)
I will reflect on them continue to be eager to learn more forever!!