Overcoming obstacles define who you are...

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by AsianStew, Jan 1, 2022.

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  1. AsianStew

    AsianStew Moderator Staff Member

    We all have our ups and downs in life, what we have done in the past may set you up or not for the future... but don't dwell on it, work on overcoming little obstacles one at a time towards your current goal. We can look back into the past, but work on the present, build momentum for your future goals... I think everyone may need a helping hand sometime or another, don't be afraid to reach out to your teachers, etc...

    This story is in regards to how/why a university dropout turned his life around while in prison. Sometimes hitting rock bottom, is where people find themselves, and get out, be a better person. He found his calling, which was education/engineering/math. I hope others in similar shoes don't have to reach rock bottom to find themselves and their true calling...

    BTW, has anyone followed up with previous teachers from elementary, high school, or even college? I haven't, maybe I should get in touch with them (virtually if possible).
    Link: This university dropout turned his life around in prison. He's now working on his PhD (msn.com)
     
    AsianStew, Jan 1, 2022
    #1
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  2. Vonnegut

    Vonnegut Well-Known Member

    It’s always an appealing and heartwarming story to see someone with focus, determination, and grit bounce up from rock-bottom and rebuild. Also heartbreaking how so many don’t bounce back from rock bottom. The exceptions are rare and it’s amazing how often significant resources and a support structure are frequently part of the success stories.
     
    Vonnegut, Jan 1, 2022
    #2
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  3. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    I'm in touch with two. One is my high school choir director, since we're both active in the D.C. area classical singing scene. In fact I sing at the church where she used to direct. (We didn't overlap, though, she recruited one of my old classmates to sing there, and then that person recommended me after our old teacher had moved to a parish in Maryland.) The other is the high school band director, and while I wasn't in band, I did take guitar from him, and he was the music director for all the spring musicals, and I was in those every year from tenth grade on.
     
    SteveFoerster, Jan 1, 2022
    #3
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  4. Tireman 44444

    Tireman 44444 Well-Known Member

    Yes. My high school English teachers for 11 and 12th grade are my Facebook friends. My 11th grade English teacher always likes or comments on my posts
     
    Tireman 44444, Jan 1, 2022
    #4
  5. Dustin

    Dustin Well-Known Member

    Yes. My favorite high school teacher taught me English Lit and Psychology, but what I remember most were the lessons he shared outside of the coursework. On topics like parenting, masculinity, and the importance of having a strong value system.

    He engaged us in an open dialogue and I found myself constantly evaluating my beliefs and actions.

    Some I disagreed with him but understood better why I thought what I did and why he thought what he did. Other times, my beliefs shifted and I can attribute that to him. (And I'm better for it. Some of those lessons I would have learned years later the hard way if we hadn't talked.)

    I emailed him a few years ago to tell him how his words had impacted me. He wrote back and said that it meant so much to him. He has a new class every year and never knows if he made a truly positive impact.

    It was a great conversation and left us both feeling good. Go ahead and let that teacher know!
     
    Dustin, Jan 1, 2022
    #5
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