Well, that line is not just about romantic suffering. Although, let's be honest, sometimes I think I'm in a passionate love-hate affair with my work. It's more like this real affection for learning, for digging into things, and this deep-down belief that education can actually change the world. Or at least, change the way my students think about the world, which is a start, right? That's what keeps me going, juggling all the hats I wear as an academic – teacher, researcher, supervisor, coordinator… and a few others that don't even have official titles, like "professional email responder" and "chief coffee maker."😉 Basically, the whole shebang! It seems like organized chaos, or at least, I tell myself it is.
When I'm in the classroom, I'm genuinely excited to share what I know. It's not just a job; I love seeing that "aha!" moment on a student's face when something finally clicks. It's like, "Yes! You got it!" And that feeling? Totally addictive. It pushes me to find new ways to explain things, to make learning fun, to really connect with each student. Because, let's be real, every class is a mix of learners. You've got some who are already zooming ahead, grasping concepts instantly, and then you've got others who might be struggling a bit more, needing a different approach, maybe a simpler explanation or an extra example. And that's okay! That's the challenge, right?
And honestly, sometimes I'm the one who needs a simpler explanation! I might have a few "aha!" moments myself as I try to keep up with everything. It's not always easy, but when you see that spark of understanding in a student's eyes, no matter their level, it's the most rewarding feeling. It makes all the effort worthwhile and inspires me to keep learning and growing as an educator. I'm still figuring it out, to be honest, but I'm trying my best
And then there's the research. Oh my gosh, sometimes I get so lost in it! It's like a giant puzzle I just have to solve. I get completely sucked in! It's that thrill of discovery, really. Even if it's something small, like finally figuring out why my model wasn't quite fitting the real-world data. Like, I was tweaking the parameters, running simulations over and over, and suddenly, boom! It clicks. Maybe it was a change in the equation, or maybe I realized I needed to incorporate mention another factor. I'm not sure what, but it's addictive!
It's like, "Yes! I cracked the code!" (Okay, maybe not quite cracking the code, but yeah, you get the idea.) And that feeling? It pushes me to be a better researcher, to dig deeper, to ask tougher questions. It's not just about the fancy publications (though, let's be honest, those are a nice perk!). It's about contributing my little piece to what we know about the world. It's about adding my voice to the conversation, even if it's just a whisper. It's about the pure joy of learning and discovering new things. Sometimes I feel like a little kid again, just exploring and being curious. It's the best!
Supervising students is another thing I'm really passionate about but suffering some parts of it. It's such a privilege, honestly. It's like getting to mentor these bright minds, to watch them grow and develop their own research. It's amazing to see how much they learn and how much they can achieve. I try to be more than just a technical advisor. I want to be someone they can talk to, someone who encourages them to think critically and believe in themselves. Because research can be tough! There are setbacks, there are doubts, and sometimes you just need someone to say, "You've got this! Keep going!" I try to be that person.
And it's so rewarding to see them succeed, to watch them present their work, to see them become confident researchers. It's like being a proud parent (without all the sleepless nights, thankfully!). It's inspiring, actually. They keep me on my toes, too! They ask questions I haven't thought of. They challenge my assumptions, and they make me a better researcher and mentor. It's a two-way street, really. I learn just as much from them as they learn from me (or maybe even more!).
And through all of this craziness, I'm trying to grow as a person too! I mean, bottom line is, I can't be a good teacher or researcher if I'm totally burnt out, right? So, self-care is key! (Though some days, "self-care" means just remembering to have a good rest... but.. baby steps!) In all seriousness, I know I need to keep learning new things, stay curious, and nurture my own intellectual fire, otherwise, how can I inspire others? It's a constant balancing act, for sure.
And.. realistically, it's not only about the perfect lesson plan or the ground-breaking discovery (though, those are definitely nice!). It's about how it all connects. It's about knowing that my work, in whatever form it takes, is making a difference, even if it's a small one. It's that feeling of giving back, of contributing to something meaningful, that brings me the most happiness. It's like, I'm not just doing a job; I'm part of something bigger, something amazing, and that's the absolute best feeling in the world. It's what gets me up in the morning (even on the days when I really, really, really just want to stay in bed for a few extra hours. Do nothing, just be lazy).
So, yeah, that's me in a nutshell. Just trying to make the world a better place. So, as Santiago would say, I am too.. following my Personal Legend, one chaotic day at a time. It's not always easy, and sometimes I feel more like the crystal merchant than the alchemist (anyone else relate?), but I'm trying my best to listen to my heart, follow the omens, and not get too distracted by shiny objects (or, you know, Youtube or Netflix 😁). Wish me luck on my quest for academic enlightenment (and maybe a coffee break). I'll let you know if I find any gold...or at least remember to eat lunch at all. You'd be surprised how often that's a problem.
Ok, I think that's all for now.
Pardon my super long post. I just can't stop rambling. 😄
Bye!
No comments:
Post a Comment