What Does Age Have To Do With It?

Today was one of my busiest days. I started out with a collaboration meeting at 8:00 with first grade teachers. I ended the day at IPFW taking my college class and got home at 7:30. Long day! I am tired. I just want to curl up on the couch with Murphy at my side. Instead, I feel I must reflect on this day or at least a part of it.

As I was making my way through the parking lot of the college, I was upset with the long walk. It again is the beginning of the semester and all the students feel the need to be in class. My professor assures us that it will only last for a few weeks and those new students will soon come late, miss class or drop out. It just happens. So, I trudge on through the cold biting wind, taking that long walk and get to class.

I sometimes think: what in the world am I doing taking a class at my age? I have been teaching longer than most of the others have been alive. I will retire before many of them will have tenure. Is it really possible to teach an old dog new tricks? I guess I must think it is, otherwise, I wouldn't be putting in these long days.

Actually, I love the class. I love learning and renewing things I already knew. I love being with the other teachers who share their ideas and view points so readily. I love simply being on the campus and seeing all these young kids with books under their arms, phones to their ears and a look of utter abandonment about them. They make me feel young! I am glad I am not their age. I am glad they are there learning.

I guess that is why I am still up, blogging when I could be cuddling my favorite doggy. I feel so blessed to be able to continue to learn and then have the chance to pass that learning on to others. Hopefully, that love of learning will inspire some kiddos tomorrow to want to have that same love in their lives. One can always hope!