Courage Under Fire

Courage Under Fire
(reflection)

"Write with your voice..."
I think by now most of my kids now this phrase because I keep emphasing to them in class over and over again. When one is able to connect with the heart, the words will somehow flow more naturally.

One of the topics was on Courage. While there were many stories on heroic acts, some stood out for their take on moral integrity. Those recounts were real and personal, and thus, more meaningful to the writers.

Here is my take on the topic, based on the work my colleagues do ( and also from some of the ideas from Parker Palmer and Daniel Heischmann.

Each time I walk into the room, I say a silent pray for strength.
It takes a lot of guts to stand in front of a group of young people, especially when you know that the things you teach, say and do will have an impact on them (hehehe...so all you remember are my 'stories' huh?)

There is always an element of unpredictability each day, each moment.
My lessons are dependent on so many factors ...like moods, weather, even whether technology will decide to fail on me...
I need to be quick on my feet, and brains too...and yet remain calm and composed under the most stressful times.

It takes hard work to remember that I am the adult...so under no circumstances must I let my own anger and frustration retaliate should I be provoked or challenged. "Hold your head high, and keep your fists down" - Atticus (to Kill a Mockingbird). Yes, it takes more of a man to walk away from a fight, and even much, much more when you so badly want to 'teach' a young person about rights and respect.

Courage means having to admit your mistakes when you are wrong, and ask for help when you need it. I am not a paragon of virtues, but I do have to consciously have to uphold them. To walk the talk is tough, for we humans are flawed, and having the extra weight on the shoulders because the work demands this of us, is even harder. On a lighter note, I know now it is easier to wave the white flag and ask for help...this technosaurus rex is fast becoming a technological dropout.

There are days, when the front I use seems more like bravado...especially when the synapes in my brain simply cannot connect. It is so much easier to turn a blind eye to things that are not right...like when they trade 'toot' words, put a peer down, or even come to class late and so on...But many of us push on...to guide, to teach, to impart values....again and again if we have to...not giving up is a sign of moral fortitude.

Standing up for what is right on a daily basis...that takes a real amount of courage.
So my dear friends in education, ...remember this. We may not leap off tall buildings, or go to war , or find the cure to cancer...Most of you are heroes in your own little ways, and I salute you for that.

consilio et animis - By wisdom and courage....that's how we move on