This is a very thoughtful reply, thanks for taking the time to write it. I suppose I can see your point, though I must admit that it's difficult for me due to my own bias: I left academia in large part because my own experiences were very different than yours, and Charlie's arguments and observations resonate with me as such. I'd very mu…
This is a very thoughtful reply, thanks for taking the time to write it. I suppose I can see your point, though I must admit that it's difficult for me due to my own bias: I left academia in large part because my own experiences were very different than yours, and Charlie's arguments and observations resonate with me as such. I'd very much LIKE if your perspective were the more representative of the overall picture, if it makes any difference.
Thanks for the additional feedback. I try hard when I speak out here to remember that what I experience at my campus is not necessarily that which everyone else in the college setting undergoes. There are many variables. But I also know, from talking with a number of longtime colleagues elsewhere, in various programs and at institutions big and small, spread out across the country -- such being the perks of decades in the field -- that there are a lot of shared experiences, and that what we see on our various campuses often is not so different than the human experience in any other area. I try to speak to that as I can.
I feel lucky to be where I'm at, as there is little rancor and likewise little in the way of divisive behavior or hostility toward others. People have their beliefs, they practice them privately as they see fit, and we all seem to share the road quite well. I wish it were that way everywhere. Just this evening, grabbing a bite to eat at a local restaurant after another long day of classes, one of my new students came up to me unexpected and said, first thing out of his mouth, "My favorite professor. Really nice to see you here too." I've had him in class for only eight weeks and he indicated that I've already made a positive difference in his life. That's what I got into this field for in the first place -- not for politics and agendas, not to indoctrinate, just to be the best teacher I can be, as my professors once were for me when I needed them, and to help young people find their way forward through academics and good instruction. As I've said to Charlie and others in these pages, I wish we could have that discussion instead sometimes, as that is really what so much of the college experience is about and what ultimately is far more influential on these young people. It should not go unrecognized and underappreciated. Another 2.5 cents' worth from my corner of the ring. Thanks for a good discussion.
This is a very thoughtful reply, thanks for taking the time to write it. I suppose I can see your point, though I must admit that it's difficult for me due to my own bias: I left academia in large part because my own experiences were very different than yours, and Charlie's arguments and observations resonate with me as such. I'd very much LIKE if your perspective were the more representative of the overall picture, if it makes any difference.
Thanks for the additional feedback. I try hard when I speak out here to remember that what I experience at my campus is not necessarily that which everyone else in the college setting undergoes. There are many variables. But I also know, from talking with a number of longtime colleagues elsewhere, in various programs and at institutions big and small, spread out across the country -- such being the perks of decades in the field -- that there are a lot of shared experiences, and that what we see on our various campuses often is not so different than the human experience in any other area. I try to speak to that as I can.
I feel lucky to be where I'm at, as there is little rancor and likewise little in the way of divisive behavior or hostility toward others. People have their beliefs, they practice them privately as they see fit, and we all seem to share the road quite well. I wish it were that way everywhere. Just this evening, grabbing a bite to eat at a local restaurant after another long day of classes, one of my new students came up to me unexpected and said, first thing out of his mouth, "My favorite professor. Really nice to see you here too." I've had him in class for only eight weeks and he indicated that I've already made a positive difference in his life. That's what I got into this field for in the first place -- not for politics and agendas, not to indoctrinate, just to be the best teacher I can be, as my professors once were for me when I needed them, and to help young people find their way forward through academics and good instruction. As I've said to Charlie and others in these pages, I wish we could have that discussion instead sometimes, as that is really what so much of the college experience is about and what ultimately is far more influential on these young people. It should not go unrecognized and underappreciated. Another 2.5 cents' worth from my corner of the ring. Thanks for a good discussion.