Individuality is an imperative concept in the educational system. As an educator, my focus is on showing students how to question the world around them, ask what the character of knowledge is, search for the nature of learning, attach meaning to experience and foster personal enlightenment. I have come to understand that the very purpose of education is to help individuals step outside of their own worldview, appreciate the problems that others face, see multiple perspectives, and develop their own solutions after weighing many factors. All people should share in the benefits of society regardless of background, be allowed to realize their unique abilities and be given the freedom to personal expression. I will remember, always, that my desires are in helping students grow and finding ways to make positive contributions to society. In every student I see myself, the challenges I have faced and still face today. I will always remember that every person holds within them, an active soul, free and excited to grow. This, every person has the privilege to cultivate and have exposed to a multitude of experiences, even though that privilege may be restricted and not yet evident.
I look at my life as a journey to grow intellectually and find the person I was meant to be. I can see no greater purpose than to help others on their own journeys. Teaching feels like the most natural process that I can be a part of. I am seeking to educate within the fine arts because, art pushes us to learn that it is our mistakes that we can find creative design, and valuable lessons. It helps to assimilate the idea that we are all different, and in these differences become stronger as a whole. Art teaches that “the journey is the destination,” (Dan Eldon) art is about process. The journey is that which helps define us and find our own truths, I believe that, “truth is an event and only through experience can the veracity of a truth be realized” (William James). It is with this appreciation for art and the world that I come to understand the impact that the words I speak in front of all students will have. I believe that by delivering my words with energy and enthusiasm, they can stay with an individual for years to come, simultaneously stimulating his or her motivation towards further learning. Ultimately, art is my passion and I feel that if more people were exposed to its wonders, it could become a door to self-exploration, expression, help students become balanced, and lead to a better learning experience in all areas of education.
I have come to Northeastern University with a purpose. I have a lack of trust in what the educational system has become and an acceptance of the trials that lay before me if I choose to fix it. The student has too often, become a grade or liability rather than an individual or an opportunity. It is unfortunate, but I see this on a daily basis. I want to bring an education to people, not just an imitation. All students bring his or her experiences to the table, and I bring my own. People see the world from completely different sides of a colorful spectrum and I welcome that. My goal will be to help my students find his or her personal realities through self-expression and then, hopefully, they can begin to see new realities and possibilities for their futures.
There are many facets to the human experience: religion (culture, nurture), science (technology, intelligence), growth (education, physical), and art (expression, emotion). I believe that art education is a way to unify all of these aspects and cause a greater educational experience for all.
“Art is the difference between the Laborer and the Craftsmen. It is beauty and expression revealed in the works of man”. – Robert M. Pirsig.
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