While in college pursing my undergraduate degree I spent MUCH of my time in the Religion department (and much of that time was dedicated to improving, clarifying and making more concise my papers and essays). I had one professor in particular who pressed me beyond measure. As a first year student in her History of Christianity course I knew that if I could make it through her rigorous class I would be able to endure most of what school would offer.
No lies, during my first year of college this professor intimidated me with her knowledge, her passion for her subject and her determination for the students to do what they were required to do. She pushed us to be the best we could be (and that is something I will be ever thankful for). As I was learning and growing throughout college this professor became a mentor and friend- her fierce passion and determined dedication to the student body always inspired me.
One lesson that this professor helped me to learn I am just now fully grasping.
In my first full-time, post seminary, job I have found myself doing so many different kinds of tasks on a daily basis. Each day I find myself doing something that I did not expect or feel somewhat unsure of I find myself seeking out the best staff or lay person to help teach me what to do, how to do it the correct way. This is something that I would not have always been comfortable doing. I am a self-proclaimed wonder-woman-want-to-be who typically thinks she can do things her own way.
Yet, in the church I have continually found myself reaching out and resourcing for help on my path. In college, my first year, with this beloved professor I can recall the one (and only… I learned my lesson) time that I thought my paper formatting tools were better than those suggested. Those suggested were new to me and required me to spend time learning from a classmate or tutor - something I was embarrassed or ashamed to do. I wondered what people would think. What would their speculations be? Would they think that I was not smart enough?
Well…. long story short, this professor politely taught me (via her red marking pen) that sometimes it is better to reach out, to ask for help and learn something new. And that in this reaching out you must avoid the speculations and welcome the affirmations.
Each and every time I reach out for help at work I take a deep breath and thank this professor for inviting me to be brave and to learn from those around me. She taught me that I do not have to know it all or be it all and that sometimes being the best me requires the help of my sisters and brothers. And that is something I do not mind people making speculations about.
We are all part of one body, the body of Christ.
I pray that I remember this - even when I want to be Wonder Woman.
One lesson that this professor helped me to learn I am just now fully grasping.
In my first full-time, post seminary, job I have found myself doing so many different kinds of tasks on a daily basis. Each day I find myself doing something that I did not expect or feel somewhat unsure of I find myself seeking out the best staff or lay person to help teach me what to do, how to do it the correct way. This is something that I would not have always been comfortable doing. I am a self-proclaimed wonder-woman-want-to-be who typically thinks she can do things her own way.
Yet, in the church I have continually found myself reaching out and resourcing for help on my path. In college, my first year, with this beloved professor I can recall the one (and only… I learned my lesson) time that I thought my paper formatting tools were better than those suggested. Those suggested were new to me and required me to spend time learning from a classmate or tutor - something I was embarrassed or ashamed to do. I wondered what people would think. What would their speculations be? Would they think that I was not smart enough?
Well…. long story short, this professor politely taught me (via her red marking pen) that sometimes it is better to reach out, to ask for help and learn something new. And that in this reaching out you must avoid the speculations and welcome the affirmations.
Each and every time I reach out for help at work I take a deep breath and thank this professor for inviting me to be brave and to learn from those around me. She taught me that I do not have to know it all or be it all and that sometimes being the best me requires the help of my sisters and brothers. And that is something I do not mind people making speculations about.
We are all part of one body, the body of Christ.
I pray that I remember this - even when I want to be Wonder Woman.
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