The time has come and our first connecting week has kicked off. We met our facilitators, our peers and our group members. Intimidation is a factor. I feel like I am but a mere diploma lecturer in a sea of established researchers and professors and course creators. But my excitement also sets in as I know that, when I am surrounded by great people, I grow to become great too.
As I wrap my head around this course and what it holds in store for me, we were asked to do a little write-up titled either “Where Am I Going?” or “What am I doing here?”
As I approach my 30 year anniversary of being part of this vast world, I have found myself asking the “Where am I going?” question a lot. The answer to it is not quite clear yet. But here is what I know.
Two years ago I finally got an opportunity to turn my love for helping and guiding others into a career. I find so much joy in helping young artists grow and realise their own potential. This is definitely what I want to do in my life. But, teaching in itself is a journey with many paths.
As a (older) millennial I found adapting to the online platforms of learning quite easy. Sure there were a few stepping stones, but I navigated them with ease and settled into our new normal comfortably. However, there was some growing to do regarding relaying information and engaging with students remotely. Luckily I have great colleagues that supported each other every step of the way.
This has further solidified my journey on the path of becoming a better lecturer. Teaching has so much potential and opportunities. Techniques to be more engaging are ever-evolving. I strive to be a lecturer that can set solid and unbreakable foundations for young artists in the best ways possible.
ONL is one of many more steps to improvement. I am sure it will lead to so many more, especially taking into consideration the vast variety of people we are going to meet and interact with. In time, I hope that this journey will lead to me completing my honors or maybe even acquiring another degree. But I won’t stop learning. For the sake of being the best I can be for myself, my growth and my students.
