I am a horrid blogger for BJJTV. I have gotten so caught up in work (teaching and photography), that tonight as I proofed more student blog entries, it hit me: I haven't blogged for BJJTV since the summer!?!? Once that initial shock wore off, I instantly knew what route I wanted to take in this blog post. Learning! I want to discuss the value of learning. Don't leave me yet. I know that most people hear (or in this case read) the word "learning" and instantly run. Stay put. I promise this won't hurt. Henry Ford said, “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.” Henry Ford was a pretty bright dude. I drive a Ford today and know beyond coming up with the idea for my gas-guzzling chariot, he was a brilliant man with ideas that led to assembly line mass production of goods. His ability to learn, adapt, create, and innovate helped build our nation into an industrial powerhouse full of inventors and quality products. Henry Ford might not be so pleased if he saw things today. Many of the great neighborhoods and buildings his company put on the United States map are in ruin because those jobs and great ideas seem to have left our nation. He also might be saddened to see that people often flee at lightning speed from learning and innovation. It would seem that in today's American society, so many people (of all ages) fear new ideas, creations, customs, and information. To know how few people want to learn; that could break Mr. Ford's heart if he were still here today. I am here. It does break my heart. While I am no Henry Ford, I am a teacher. I am someone who loves to learn. I love finding out new things about my country. I enjoy consuming information that is slightly foreign to me. Discomfort in the educational process doesn't phase me. That is what learning is about at times. I have had many students tell me over the years, "I don't know what I am doing." To which I answer, "That's ok!" I like figuring out a solution to a problem. I want my students to enjoy that process, too. Often, in my world, I view photography as one big riddle. How do I solve it? How can I get light into my little box (the camera) in new and interesting ways? If it's too dark, what can I do in order to make that image properly exposed? It's a quest. I love it. When I travel across our country, I like learning new things every where I go. This summer, while in that land of the Idaho / Utah border, I came across a town that had a museum with reinactments about the Oregon Trail. You're darn right I did it. I was in pure geek-out mode and loved every moment. I am almost 42. I remember learning a bit about the Oregon Trail in school, but here before me was a chance to learn even more first hand. I soaked it up like a sponge. I felt like a kid again. Hmmmm? Maybe Mr. Ford is on to something. We stay young by learning. I'd rather be a kid at heart that learns daily, than some old "know it all" who ceases learning new things. How about you? |
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Ms. TurnerStarting year 25 as a Journalism educator. Photographer. Mom. Nature-Junkie. Super Fan of Missouri State Parks and Conservation Lands. As a wise BJJTV alumni says, "Treat People Like People." Archives
February 2022
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