“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” - Mark Twain
What does it take to help students set sail and explore the possibilities that exist in their world?
What can we do as educators to enable them to venture beyond their own safe harbors?
For me, the answer is simple - Remove the FEAR. Although the answer is a simple one, the ability to give students the confidence to let go of fear is not. Fortunately for me, the teachers in my life taught me to face my fears and take responsibility for my actions. I am grateful for what my teachers did for me and wish to share with you how they inspired me to explore, dream and discover.
I wish to thank my teachers for:
Allowing me to learn the difference between a life of NO FEAR (taking silly risks to prove something) and KNOW FEAR (encouraging me to explore, discover and challenge the things I feared most).
Challenging my limiting beliefs and pushing me to never give-up.
Creating a safe space to challenge other’s assumptions, as well as my own.
Providing opportunities for me to serve others, so I could discover how to influence others in a positive way.
Teaching me the value of self-reflection.
Giving me the inquiry and observation skills that serve me today as a professional facilitator.
Most of all, drawing out of me a passion to learn - helping me to become an Inspired Learner.
What lessons can you share with us to help students overcome their fears and allow them to leave their safe harbors to Explore, Dream and Discover?
Keywords: creativity, innovation, teaching, mentoring, leadership, courage, imagination, facilitation, self-reflection, inquiry skills
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