Kids are nothing if they're not honest. However, my son can also be a kiss up. I've taught him well. Most of the time. Today I was sitting down and working when you asked the question I've titled this blog.
"I thought you were already smart?" "I thought so, too!" "Than why are you doing that?" Ah, a teachable moment in parenting. The background to that story is that I was writing down my vocabulary words for the day and their definitions. I have decided that since my vocabulary has always been detrimental to my personage (hey, I'm trying), I need to put myself to the test. I need to improve. It is time to grow. I love education. I love educating myself. I love seeing the "Ah-ha" moment that children get when the light goes off inside that brain of theirs. There is something so empowering when you have discovered just how smart you are. Acing a test is a great feeling. Always. The deep problem I see is that we have moved our world from a stage where everyday was increasing knowledge to just getting enough to pass the test and move on. No, this isn't a discussion on public schools and teaching to the test. And if you are not a teacher with something to say about it, go in and walk in their shoes for a week. Then, and only then, will we talk. Think about all the greats in all genres. Who are considered the best artists, musicians, writers, philosophers? Who is considered the best architect? Now think about where they came from. Think about the schooling they encountered. Many of the greatest of greats in their fields found a passion and pursued it with vigor. I love C.S. Lewis. It isn't the Narnia series that gets me, it actually isn't a big read for me. I love his religious pieces, fiction and non alike. He challenges me in my thinking and walk with God like few others have. He forces me to examine myself on a variety of levels. I am now reading a compilation of his diary from the 1920's. It is simply his day to day tasks. He walked to town to buy meats. He ordered his Greek History notes. He sent a poem to a newspaper. There is nothing exciting about this diary. However, it has shown me just how dedicated he was to his craft as well as his education. Right now I'm in the middle of a program for certification in weight loss management. Yes, another certification to add to my resume in the fitness professional realm. When it comes to these programs, I usually test very well. I know the material because I am always involved in my continual education for my fitness world. Even still, I watch each video, listen to each podcast, and read each document, book, article. I soak up every ounce of information I can, because I love it. I love learning. I love that feeling that I am improving myself, and therefore can improve the lives of others around me. I implement so much of what I've learned through my various certifications with my clients, family, and friends. How rewarding! This past Sunday, however, I made the decision that I needed more education. Now I cannot afford to get another degree, but I can find ways to better myself, and hopefully better those around me. That was when I made the decision to increase my vocabulary by studying five words a day. At the moment I am using the cards from the S.A.T. prep book I have for tutoring my high schoolers. I intent to move on to the dictionary shortly. Please hold me accountable to that! As a writer, I made the decision last year to read more. Each day I read fiction and non-fiction to increase my abilities in writing within these fields. Whether it has paid off or not, I can never be sure. However, once I have checked these readings off my to-do list I typically consider them accomplished. Lately, I have longed for the time to sit and read more. So if my chores are done, and family is cared for, you'll find a book in my hand. As sweet Caleb assumed that I was smart and didn't need to continue learning, I was well pleased to inform him that education never stops. There is always something to learn. There is always a new theory, words unknown, and fields of study untouched by yourself. I know he loves to learn. I am so grateful for that, and I hope that I can convey the importance of continual education, even if doesn't have a grade attached to it. May I be a better wife, mother, teacher, trainer, tutor, friend, sister, daughter, human for continuing to educate myself. I encourage you to join me in the quest for continual knowledge. "If knowledge is power and power corrupts, is knowledge corrupt?"
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May 2023
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