So this week, my friends Tina, Lynn, and I are doing a roller derby boot camp with the Savannah Derby Devils (more on this experience Saturday for my "Savannah Saturdays" entry!), and this boot camp has made me realize I haven't been "taught" anything in a few years. I have been the one doing the teaching (English) or coaching (volleyball and basketball), but I haven't been a student. It has been really good for me to take on this role again because it gives me a perspective into the minds of my students and players. For example, yesterday I felt a little picked on by the instructors because they kept telling me to "Get Lower!" when I was skating (my internal thought was--But I'm taller than everyone else! Of course I look like I'm not low enough!). But they were right, and it was easier when I got lower. I guess it's just human nature to make an excuse for yourself when someone calls you out.
Besdies this realization, my "being picked on" feeling will I hope make me more aware that I either need to correct everyone, or at least not correct the same person over and over. If I'm a grown woman and still felt picked on, I can only imagine how singled out some of my middle and high school players might feel at times, so I am going to try and make sure I don't do this as much during volleyball season.
Also, my awareness that I am not a "student" very often anymore makes it even more important that I continue to learn everyday in other ways. One small way I learn daily is by having my browser set to Bing.com. Now each morning when I fire up the computer, I have a beautiful, interesting picture waiting for me that has 4 little hidden informational links that I have to find with my cursor. Often the pictures are nature, but not always. Today I learned a little about the Angel Falls in Venezuela (and how to spell Venezuela!), last week I learned about the Cliffs of Moor (in Ireland, which is now my desktop), and a few weeks ago I learned about the Italian Riveria. Of course, these little learning moments also give me new places that I want to travel to (which is a good thing for my life, bad for my wallet!). and of course being an English nerd and all, reading is another way I try to learn daily.
Do you try to learn something each day? If so, what's your trick?