"Tuesdays with Morrie" Blog

Sooooo,

In the matter of hours that it took for me to read Tuesdays with Morrie, I probably rethought my life plans at least ten times. This book seems to invite people not only to see the difference that a change (albeit one which eventually claimed his life) made in Morrie’s life, but also for readers to examine what a change in their own lifestyles might look like. Also, it is interesting that I read this book in the week following the inauguration of a president who was elected on a platform of change for the country. That one, however, we might have to wait to see what happens.

I have recently found myself in the same kind of situation that Mitch Albom, the author, found himself in during his college career. In the book, I think it was described as life constantly pulling, back and forth. I find myself being attracted to two completely different areas of work and as the clock on my college career ticks down (I know, still more than two years remaining), I am constantly struggling with which would be better suited to me. And not just that, but also, in which would I be able to effect a more tangible positive impact on the world around me. Even as we sit in our classes and discuss the “big questions of life,” my future is a subject which is under constant tension as each moment has the potential to pull it further in one direction or the other.

This book also applies very clearly to our Paideia cohort, Understanding Human Behavior. Morrie was a wise man who, in his last days, was able to describe the problem with modern U.S. culture in a blunt manner so that those of us who wished to hear it could. I do truly believe what he said about having to “create your own culture” if you wish to live connected to other people. American society has always encouraged individuality to the point where we almost advocate a radical individuality, in which anyone who does not find their identity independently – that is, free of familial restraints and any person who wishes to exert influence – is not accepted into American society. One can source the emergence of cliques in schools at early ages to this phenomenon. Not only are we forced to find an identity at an early age to fit in, but then we are also forced to be friends with only those who identify the way we do.

The goal of Paideia is to engage ourselves in our community in a way that not only the community benefits, but so do we. I feel like Morrie sort of lived this every day as a teacher, as do all teachers. He played an integral role in educating minds and gave more than was necessary because it only increased the amount that he received in return. Of course, I might be impartial as my parents are both educators who I have witnessed over the years, give themselves to their students more than was necessary only to have the benefits returned to them tenfold. Morrie taught me a lot, and I hope that his lessons will stay with me as I finally ease the tension when making my future career choice and allow myself to be pulled in one single direction.

Until class,
Brady

Pre-Emptive First Impressions

This is my first post of 2009, so here’s to a good year ahead for all of us!

Thinking about this topic is a little bit strange because, as of now, there seems to be no structure to our plans for the program, nor have we really introduced any concrete ideas for said plans. Of course, I also understand that much of this will be ironed out during the lunch meeting. So for now, I will just speak about my theoretical plans for the program and what it might look like, if indeed my idea of structure is what the rest of the cohort desires as well.

Because I don’t wish to be mauled by a large group of unruly adolescents or start my own backroom fight club like David, I feel that both myself and the children participating would stand to gain more if I was accompanied by at least one other member of the cohort. The only problem this creates, as I have previously expressed, is one of accountability. I want to be in a group with someone whom I know will be in attendance unless it is absolutely necessary that they not be. But each group need not only be two people and we don’t necessarily even have to split up into groups. I just want to know that when I attend, the others who are assigned to show up will also be in attendance.

I really have no preference to the issue of the number of students with which we will be working, but I am sure I will form a strong opinion by the end of lunch tomorrow after listening to what I am sure will two completely different standpoints on the matter. I do see how working with one child might give a person a chance to form a close relationship with that child; but on the other hand, if I am working with a group, then I am allowed to interact closely with a larger number of kids. Also, regarding the amount of time that I am willing to devote to this area of my life, I feel that I could give up no more than 2 ½ hours every week. I would imagine that if, as an entire group, we only visited the club once a week, then it would most definitely have to be for an extended period of time during the late afternoon. If we do decide to split up into groups, then the time can be shorter and scheduled on days and at times that best fit the schedules of those in the group.

We are assuming a large amount of responsibility in undertaking this project. We will be working with the children of Georgetown and hopefully, if nothing more, ensuring that they have a fun time after school. I value structure and preparedness when I enter into any situation, but as this is one which has the potential to impact the relationship between the university and the community, I think that our cohort should take extra care to make our civic engagement project a success. I have high hopes for the program, but I can also see where it might fail because of over-ambitious plans, which are not followed by action. There’s my little self-help/productivity nugget of wisdom for the day. Hope it is enjoyed!

'Til we meet again,
Brady