|
|
Lisa's |
|
|
|
The ongoing learning process we are continuously encircled by generates three stages necessary for task mastery. The linking chain of knowledge consists of students, graduates, and professors. The order of procession and progression follows such sequence…usually. Although depending on life’s many transitions, one may oscillate like a shiny pendulum on a spiritless string. These steps go beyond their basic utilization for individual accomplishment; they embed themselves in our very beings and determine the people we are during various phases of our lives. They chisel and define our chosen responses at pinpointed time periods when we’re trapped in specific circumstances. And thus, we are constantly evolving each and every day of our lives, as a result of situations, dilemmas, and decisions…in essence, the intangible tools that are ultimately responsible for finely shaping us. On the lowest rung of the
academic ladder, stand the students.
They clench the aluminum sides with a tight grip.
These are the people who are basically insecure with themselves,
hence, their entire existences. They
may become seemingly self-absorbed due to continually striving for
achievement. These
individuals are motivated by fantasies of success, but simultaneously
may very well fear the possibility of its actual attainment.
Students reject beliefs that may contradict and crush perceived
ideals. Hopes and desires remain securely fastened as a medley of
uncertainties. Let’s now take a few steps more
and ascend halfway up the purposeful ladder.
Upon feeling more comfortable with the steady climb, hands may
loosen a bit; the right or left fist might perhaps open completely for
brief intervals, while the one remaining intact grasps tighter to
compensate for the absence of the other.
These people are usually comfortable and content with themselves
and their current existences. They are set in their routine ways and have a moderate level
of self-confidence when interacting with those around them.
Goals and aspirations are actively sought.
Unlike students, graduates have more solid foundations on which
to concretely build their tentatively sketched blueprints.
The necklace of success is strung one bead at a time, enough
already to wear proudly, but plenty of room is available to make
welcomed additions. Graduates
accept obvious beliefs that can no longer be denied by innocence. Situated on the highest possible
rung are the acclaimed professors.
These perceived victors eagerly let go with both hands and appear
to others as confident, assertive, and fearless.
Even if nothing more than mere optical illusions, we, as
onlookers, are convinced. And
they know that. While
dancing, these folks unquestionably lead.
Gathering admiration from those with whom they interact, the
professors often believe they have earned the privilege to look down
from their lofty perches and advise unworldly subordinates.
Knowledge and self-assurance, like a sizeable inheritance, must
be managed wisely. Professors
may pompously discredit standard beliefs and attempt to create and boast
their own. Boundaries overstepped, whether clearly visible or shadowy,
are danger zones that even treaded lightly upon could cause havoc.
Most of us tend to ping-pong from
one classification to another. Students
behold a certain naiveté, while graduates have been around the campus
numerous times and know the layout of the land.
Professors are well seasoned in terms of playing, manipulating,
and benefiting from the game of life; or at least they think they are.
And we think so, as well. While
mounted cavalierly at the tallest peak, they must be especially careful
not to wave the sharply pointed fingers of judgment and condescension at
the others still holding on. Any
one of many predictable or unpredictable events may come along to rattle
one’s confidence and cause the loss of balance that was previously
taken for granted. Remember,
after a quick, harsh, and unforeseen plunge, the puffed-up professor is
eye to eye with the uncertain student.
Neither one gets a boost. They
both set out with shaky legs. Just as we all do.
|
