Re: morrie

mcgrawsgal2 wrote:I am disappointed in myself because it seems like I have been waiting forever for Tuesday to arrive and now that it is finally here…I’m speechless!! I am literally speechless but I guarantee as soon as 3:01 hits, I will have a million questions.
I currently attend The University of Akron in Ohio and it is my third year here. I am majoring in Early Childhood Education. I love working with children, being the first one to invite them to new ideas, watching them learn and grow not just cognitively but also socially, morally, and behaviorally. There is no better feeling than helping others, no matter if they are in kindergarten, a senior in high school, or even the elderly. Helping others is a passion to me, I have had many teachers help me along the way to where I am today. Unfortunately, my family has never been supportive. My mother doesn’t even think I should be in college, let alone teaching others. During these rough times where I have these self doubts, I keep reading Tuesdays with Morrie, rereading quotes that I highlighted (It has been my favorite book since highschool), Morrie really focuses on family. What do you think Morrie would say about following your dreams, EVEN when your own family doesn’t have faith in you?
Thank you for this question. Boy, I have to say it is hard for me to understand why a family would not want its child to attend college or become a teacher. both are such worthwhile endeavors. I think Morrie would tell you - and I would concur - that while you must always respect and love your family members, there's a time when you have to choose your own path. I remember Morrie telling me that he felt his family wanted him to be a doctor. But he couldn't stand the sight of blood. Then they wanted him to be a lawyer. But he couldn't stand lawyers. He came to teaching almost by default and yet it gripped him and never let go. I think teaching is the most significant and under-appreciated profession in America today. It never gets the proper attention, and it never ceases to be the dividing point between a progressive, educated, and giving society and one that is the opposite of that. Please know that even if certain family members do not support your choice, I most certainly do, and so do many of the future students and parents who you will affect if you follow the path of great teachers like Morrie and think always of the importance of what you're doing and the minds and hearts that you are shaping. Good luck with it all.