"So, you're attending graduate school?" -My Response to Higher Education

sigh. 

If I could but have $1 for every time I've been asked, "What? You're going back to school?" that last few months, I'd have all my parking fees and books paid for completely.  no joke. :)

Seriously, what is your reaction when you hear of someone attending higher education? 

(I'm specifically thinking of public education, not Bible school.)

Can't think of what you'd say? Well, let me share a few I've heard the past few months...

"WHAT? If you were really a Christian and in-tune with God's Will, 

you would sacrifice for His work and not pursue a secular and worldly career at a public university. God doesn't bless those who reject His will."

"You should be content to serve God rather than chase after worldly careers and fame."

"Christian education is where the real contentment lies- and you're missing it."

"The public university is a dangerous place. There's...(whispered) gays everywhere, and you will

be affected! Your soul will suffer! You'd better beg God for mercy!"

etc. etc. etc. etc.  

I could go on for a while, but I'm assuming you're an intelligent individual

and thus able to read what I've written so far, and I won't bore you with more of the same.

(Note: I am not disrespecting any of the individuals who made the above comments.)

This is my third week of graduate classes, and just to report:

1) I am still a Christian

2) I feel that God is pleased with my life

3) God has worked out details for my schooling and continues to do so

and,

4) I am 'in His will' 

No way!

Here is my response to higher education from a Christian perspective, 

coming from someone who has already 

received a BA from a Bible College:

1) Christ asks, no commands us to be disciples. Right? And by definition, a disciple of Christ

is literally a 'little Christ.' In the words of C.S. Lewis, 

"Every Christian is to become a little Christ. The whole purpose of becoming a Christian is simply nothing else."

I love that. Really, I do. As Christians, we are truly representatives of Christ to the world, and everyone really.

2) Jesus was a student. Remember, when He was 12 and sat in the synagogue to learn about the Scriptures?

What about the verse, "Study to show thyself approved?" (2 Tim. 2:15) Jesus did not condemn education.

3) It appears that some Christians view any educational institution lacking the word 'Bible' or 'Christian' in the 

name as being 'of the devil,' or 'completely worldly.' How ignorant. 

Now, for my opinion:

1) I am literally sick and tired of Christian education (in general) having a 'bad rap' and reputation as being

second-rate, unprofessional, non-academic, archaic, etc. 

I'm sure you've heard of it described as such...I know I have. 

And, sadly, I'm sure you have heard of/seen institutions bearing the name of Christ 

that demonstrate these 'qualities.' It's truly saddening, and it's a disgrace to the name of Christ.

2) By completely rejecting the idea of 'professional education,' we as Christians

have cheated students. Just a little hint: holy shoddy is still shoddy. The foundation of 

"Christian Education" is, yes, Christ, but it's still 'education,' not Sunday School.

The educational system is intended to educate and instruct in areas of academia and character building, and

when coupled with a passion for Christ, is an absolutely beautiful thing! But leave out the 

passion for excellence in academics, and it's just glorified Sunday School. 

3) As a Christian, I believe that God has given each of us certain gifts, talents, and abilities that, 

when cultivated, can be used for His glory. I also believe that God expects me to represent Him

well, and to do my absolute best with what He has given me. 

That means I want to learn as much as I can to help teach others about music/piano, 

use it as a tool to bless others, and ultimately glorify God. Without concentrated practice, 

diligence, and instruction, this won't happen. So, to do my best with what God has given me,

I am attending a graduate music school, pursuing my MM in Piano Performance/Pedagogy,

and ultimately achieving a DMA in Piano Performance. 

All with God's approval, sanction, and my parents' blessing. :) 

So, there you have it- my philosophy of Christian Education in a nutshell. 

But, it all comes down to this: 

Don't ever give less than your very best back to God with the 

talents he has given you. Do your absolute, dead-level best

in your area, and leave the rest up to God. 

But always give your best.

Anything less is not only embarrassing,

it's also not pleasing to God.

And, since that's what life is all about- pleasing God- we should strive to please Him in education, too.
A few closing thoughts:

I am very thankful for the four years at Hobe Sound Bible College, where I learned

the 'foundations of faith,' philosophical views, and what I believe before coming to 

a secular university of 18,000 + students. Likewise, my dad and sister

did an online Biblical beliefs course together from GBS before she went to Bob Jones (a Baptist

university). That being said, it may not be wise for a Christian individual who is not solidly grounded in his/her faith to attend a secular university...take a Biblical beliefs class. Be ready to answer questions from people about your beliefs, and be a mature enough individual that you can be who you are, no matter where you are. 

I do not- and would not- live on campus at UNCG. I am a proud commuter, and 

most at the university know it by now. They've also picked up on the fact that I'm not a 

party-goer. Hmmm...wonder how that came across? :)

 Unitl next time...

Part 2: Dear Parents/Teachers: ABC's for Educators- Balanced

 Part 2- Continuation of “ABC’s for Educators:”

‘b’ = balanced

Throughout your journey of education, you have most likely encountered many different types of teachers. (some of which you’ve rather not remember…)

Strict.

Easy-going.

Fun-loving.

And, the ever dreaded, “Spinster-single-school-marm-all-work-no-fun” type. You know the type. This particular type of teacher believes he/she is not going his/her respective job correctly unless at LEAST one person fails the class. “If you hate me, I’m doing a good job.” Ouch. This teacher is voted most likely to have the highest number of upset parents/students.

Then, of course, there is the opposite extreme, which some despise just as much as the other. The “Hey ya’ll, I’m kinda lazy and hate to grade papers, but I’d love to hang out with you this year. Come to my class, smile, make me laugh, and I’ll give you an A+, honey!” Yeah, go ahead and admit it- you LOVED that one. J (Didn’t we all…) 

Oddly enough, parents/student are also likely to become frustrated with this type of teacher.

Teaching (and parenting): It’s more than personality. It’s more than just the old excuse of ‘that’s how I learned, and I think my students should have to deal with it, too.’ It’s more than ‘I want them to respect me.’ It’s more than ‘I hate teaching, but it’s all I know how to do.’ It’s more than ‘I want my students to like me.’ Much more.

The answer? Be balanced. Simple. (Well, sort of.) This goes for parents, too. (And anyone else, really.) You don’t want to be an ogre, and you shouldn’t be like Santa, but there really is a happy medium somewhere in between.

The real ‘bottom line’ here does have a lot to do with personality, teaching style, perspective, and a whole host of other things, but the main thing is: Truth vs. Grace.

The ‘Truth Oriented’ person sees rules and regulations, black and white, right and wrong, good and bad, and wants justice.

The ‘Grace Oriented’ person sees gray lines, loop holes, is sympathetic, compassionate, wants to please others, and is easily persuaded.

The world is full of both types. I tend to be a mixture of both. I want justice, but also tend to see ‘gray’ areas. I don’t want to be hated, but I don’t worry about pleasing others. I am easily distracted, so I have to keep a game plan. It’s just who I am.

I have to work at not coming across too sharply or sarcastically to students, and at being sympathetic. I know my weaknesses, and try to work on them. (I’ll be the first to admit I still have a long ways to go.)

Here are a few things I’ve learned.

1) Find out which one you tend to be: truth or grace oriented. Ask family/friends…but be prepared for brutal honesty. J Only ask if you intend to do something about it.

2) After that, make a special effort to try and improve the areas in which you KNOW you are lacking. It’s tough, but well worth it.

3) Be honest and upfront with your kids/students. Let them know that you are aware you might come across too ________ (fill in the blank), but you are working on it. They will truly respect you, even though they probably won’t communicate it. It will also give you a sense of accountability; now that you’ve told the kids, you’ll be more likely to stick with it.

4) A hint: the most respected teacher/parent is not the strictest. Nor is it the softy. It is the one who knows his/her weaknesses and cares enough for others to work on improving in those areas to become more balanced.

Kids love funny. Kids love spontaneous. Kids need balanced.

Do you truly care enough about your students/kids enough to look beyond your own pride and examine your strengths/weaknesses objectively, and then actually do something about them?

The answer to the puzzle of being a balanced individual is a life-long process, but is well worth the effort.

Until next time…

Dear parents/teachers...My series of 'ABC's for Educators:' Approachable.

I’ve often heard it said that teacher learns more the first year of teaching than the years spent in college combined. As I am concluding my first year of teaching, I can verify that statement!

When I began this year, I was (shall we say) ‘in the dark’ about a lot of areas concerning the teaching process. Including what exactly I would be teaching. That is, until the week before school. (Yes, as in ONE week.) So, I’m finishing up this year as, yes, the full-time K-12 Music Instructor. In addition to being a full-time Jr. High teacher in 7^th grade Math, NC History, and Jr. High Bible. *May I point out the obvious? I did not study to be a Jr. High teacher! However, allow me to make another obvious statement (I make quite a few of those): It is May, and I have survived the ride so far. J  (and enjoyed it.) 

*These comments/descriptions are not meant in any way as degrading to my place of employment, I am simply painting the scenario of my first year for you.

And, in addition to survival, I can again re-affirm my first statement: I feel as though I have learned more than my students. Over the next several blog posts, I will be sharing a few things I’ve learned. Preface: I am not claiming to be a seasoned authority on educational advice; I’m simply a teacher/grad. student who thrives on learning and sharing. J The things I share will not simply be applicable for teachers; I hope it will be informative for all of my readers. I have a few blog posts in the ‘draft’ stage that will be specifically for parents. Anyways, I hope you enjoy reading what I’ve learned this year!

The first part of this series will be what I call ‘The ABC’s of Educators.’ So, today I’ll start with ‘a.’

Approachable.

            This year I’ve learned and observed many things students expect (not simply want) from their teachers and authority. (Parents, peers, pastor, etc.) When raising/teaching children, battles must be wisely and carefully chosen. However, by simply being available and approachable, you, as the authority, teacher, parent, etc., will eliminate over 50% of coming battles. Approachable literally means to be ‘friendly and easy to talk to.’ Stop making predetermined outcomes and assumptions before hearing your student/child’s explanation, and actually listen to their ‘side of the story.’ (One of my ‘rules’ is that a student may ask/say anything as long as it is said with a correct attitude.) Even if the student/child is wrong in their opinion, he/she will feel mutual respect in knowing that a ‘big person’ actually took time to hear his/her story without being belittled, interrupted, or criticized.

            Let your kids know right off that you want to hear their ideas, opinions, and concerns. This also establishes a level of respect between parent/child, teacher/student, etc.

            Another terrific reason to be ‘friendly and easy to talk to’ is that as Christians, we are representatives of Jesus to others. Even little people (kids). It has been said that if you give a child a correct view/concept of God, you will give them the keys to the world. How then can we tell children that God wants to hear their prayers and concerns if we are not willing to do the same? Thought provoking, isn’t it? Therefore, if we: roll our eyes at their ideas, complain through the gritty story details, and judge without hearing the whole matter, it should come as no surprise when children struggle with talking to Jesus. I am not a parent, but I remember how pleased and special I felt when my parents expressed that they wanted to hear what I had to say.

           

What are ways you use to connect or communicate with your kids/students? I’d love to hear them!

Until next time. . .

Sentiments from the A.D.D Council...

Hi. My name is Elizabeth Davis, and I'd like to publicly confess that I am severely A.D. SQUIRREL! D. You get the picture. *If not, and you are completely clueless, see picture below for a better idea. 

Yep. that pretty much sums up the events of my life as of late. Or rather, the nonsequence thereof. :) Whichever. 

Anywhoo. And, yes, I just changed fonts mid-post. Because: 1) I can. 2) I'm A.D.D. 3) Since graduation, I have acquired a menace for Times New Roman. 

*the above sentence was an unashamedly unsneaky endeavor on my part to try and remember what I was supposed to be posting...

Last week found me volunteering at a local youth camp. Outside. In a heat index of 110*. I was convinced it was the end of life as I once knew it; but alas, I did conquer and manage to have quite a bit of fun in the process. It did accomplish a few other purposes, however, which I will now so kindly share.

1) it gave me a great appreciation for youth camp personnel/leaders.

Those people are crazy, wonderful, dedicated,

and exhausted. Kudos! 

2) I now have a much greater understanding (I think) of

the lives and actions of kids ages 12-16. (This

was of interest to me since I will be teaching

that age group frequently this fall in 

music, choir, and 7-8th

grade classes.

Those kids are tough, and have to put up with 

way more than necessary. 

Teachers, respond with grace. 

Parents, love them. 

3) You and I have been there too, howbeit a few years ago. 

And, odds are, we (ok. I) probably acted 

'that' way then also. 

Show love, 

respect, 

and 

lots 

of

it.

I have some many more thoughts and exciting posts to share, but they will have to wait for another time due to technical difficulties. (my clock time keeps getting later and later.) :)

So long for now...