The Big Game

Every year I am amazed by the Super Bowl phenomenon that sweeps this country. But before I explain the basis of my amazement, let me make one thing clear - I love football. I grew up cheering on the Dolphins at home games (my father has had season tickets since he was in his 20's) and when I went to college I had season tickets to see my beloved Gators. To make extra money I also filmed high school football games and edited highlight tapes.

But there is something about the Super Bowl that always puts a bad taste in my mouth. Although the Big Game is supposed to be the culmination of the FOOTBALL season, it seems as if football is the last thing people worry about. Instead, the Big Game is about the halftime show and the commercials. It is about the promotion of consumerism and pop culture.

For example, last night during a Miller Lite commercial the Miller Lite spokesperson was complaining about the cost of Super Bowl commercials. As a part of the joke in the commercial he said that Miller Lite would be airing the one second commercial, due to the high price of the regular 30 second spots. The commercial ended with the voice over telling viewers to watch for the one second commercial. Not watch the game, but watch the commercials.

Now, I don't particularly care for either of the teams fighting it out during this year's Super Bowl. What I care about is watching a game that is supposed to celebrate those that made it to the top of their profession by being motivated, working hard, and competing week after week. Unfortunately, that is not what I am going to get.

Can You Appreciate It?

My hubby and I watch films often. We enjoy seeing films that require close viewing, reflection, and tell a great story. Of course, we are also always willing to watch a fun film solely because it is fun. We buy in to the awfulness (not a word) of these films and embrace the silliness because thankfully that is a side of ourselves that has not yet been victim to the realities of the world.

Today we went to see "The Wrestler," not because the performances in the film were nominated for Oscars, but because it just looked like a quality flick, and we like quality flicks. I thoroughly enjoyed every second of it. The acting was phenomenal and the story was even better. There was humor, drama, tragedy, and love - all rolled in to neat package that was neither cheesy or unrealistic. I highly recommend seeing it.

But then, maybe you should not see it. I don't say this because "The Wrestler" was not a great film. I say it because I just don't think many of my students would get it. I don't know if any of my students would understand living their dream, even if it kills you, physically and mentally. I don't know if any of my students would understand the feeling of being so incredibly passionate about anything. And finally, I don't know if my students could appreciate something that does not directly have an effect on their own lives.

Now, don't get me wrong. I don't say any of these things because I dislike my students. I think I have a great group of students who have the potential to change the world. But, that is all I see now, potential. I don't see too many of them taking the steps they need to take to utilize that potential in a beneficial way.

Some of you may say that I being too hard on you. Some of you may say that I am dead wrong. Some of you may begrudgingly agree with me.

I'd love to hear your thoughts...

Welcome

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome my new students to the world of blogging.  Blogging is a wonderful, wacky world of information sharing, exploration, and creativity.  During your blog postings you will share your ideas about the world and your chosen topic.  This is a time for you to break out of your shell and make your thoughts heard.  Remember, you now have a world audience.

With blogs you have the entire internet at your disposal.  Feel free to include pictures, links, videos, and music on your blog.  Always make sure you give credit where it is due though by including the source of your information.  

Have fun!

I am Sad

I know that this is a lame title for anything, but I cannot come up with any other way to express my thoughts right now. I am sad. I am sad that my students are switching classes on Monday. I am sad that I will not see their smiling (well, most of the time) faces anymore. I am sad that I will not witness those strange, strange conversations of the 2nd hour class. I am even sad that I will no longer have to repeat myself what seems like ten million times during my first period.

I am sad.

BUT...

I will look on the bright side of life (cue Monty Python music). It was truly my pleasure to teach such a wonderful group of students this semester. They made me laugh so much, and usually for something funny, not something sad that I have to laugh at to keep my sanity. They also challenged me daily. I wanted to be a better teacher for them. It was definitely never a dreaded feeling to come in to work.

Thank you for all that you guys and gals have taught me. And remember, I am always here to help with whatever you need. So, come by and visit every once in a while...

It's Great To Be A Florida Gator!

As the dutiful teacher, I always tell my students that college is first and foremost about an education, period. And I stick by this sentiment, 100%. But I rarely explain all of the other things that a college experience entails, mainly because it is difficult to tell my students about those things.

How do I explain the sense of tradition that, at some colleges, has been passed along for over a century? How do I explain the feeling that you get when you meet someone who you know, deep in your soul, will make a profound difference in your life, simply with their presence? How do I explain the feeling of waking up on Saturday mornings, donning your school colors, and then joining in with hundreds of other people who share your passion to scream, cheer, and chant your team to victory? How do I explain the process of learning how to be an expert at your chosen task and then showing what you have learned to the world?

I had all of these experiences and more at college. And I was reminded of so many of those experiences last night. Yes, it is great to be a Florida Gator.

It was truly electrifying to be at the National Championship football game. The moment we entered the parking lot I could feel the energy, the intensity, and the passion. Now, I have been to many sporting events in my life. I grew up going to Dolphin, Hurricane, Heat, and Marlin games. I have attended a Red Sox game at Fenway park, car racing in New Hampshire, and even arena football in Miami. I love sports. But last night was different. Last night was not all about a sport. Last night was about meeting up with people you have not seen for years and reminiscing about the "old days." It was about giving a fist pump to some guy you have never met, but still felt a kinship with simply because he has roamed the same hallways as you have. Last night was about coming together and feeling that your words, your gestures, even your inner most thoughts could possibly have an effect on what is happening on a field. Last night was not only about love of a game and a team, but about love of an experience.

Any fan who is worth their salt knew that last night's game between the Florida Gators and Oklahoma Sooners was going to be a great one. Both teams have proven their worth and both teams played their heart out. The first half was intense with all fans, Gator and Sooner, sitting on the edge of their seat. During the second half the Gators came out on top. The team leader, Tim Tebow, became a mad man who not only made some great passes but rushed for over 100 yards and spent his time off field pumping up the crowd. When the time came for the Gators to celebrate their victory the team rushed the field amidst clouds of firework smoke and confetti. After celebrating with his team, Tebow made the rounds around the field, high fiving fans, cheering the victory, and showing how much he appreciated all of the support.

Me, I just cheered so much I lost my voice, smiled from ear to ear, took a bunch of pictures, and gave my husband a big victory kiss (and also a thank you kiss for winning great tickets).

Yeah, it is great to be a Florida Gator.

Is College a Joke?

I have been under the impression that for quite a while now college has been more of a place to go after high school rather than a place of furthering your education. I hear my students rating college choices on the quality of the parties, the attractiveness of the opposite sex, or the distance from home. When I ask pre-college students about their possible major I get looks of confusion - as if their major is the furthest thing from their mind.

So, it is with a feeling of complete assent that I read the op-ed piece in the New York Times, "Should the Obama Generation Drop Out?"  I am not sure when higher education became so sullied, but the fact of the matter is that college is no longer the defining factor of intelligence, success, or motivation.  College has become a bit of a joke.  

 Case in point.   Last month an old student sent me an essay to proof and comment upon.  This particular student was never a strong writer but did have exceptional talent in the math and sciences.  The essay was mediocre at best.  I gave some hints to improve the piece, but did not go into extreme detail - this student needs to stand on his own two feet!  He emailed me a couple of weeks later saying he received an 'A' on the paper.  Although I was happy for him, I was also shocked.  The first draft of the essay was no where near an 'A' paper.  So, I asked him to send along the copy that he turned in.  Long story short, after I got over my shock and awe, I decided I would have given him a 'C' - out of pity.

 The fact that a college professor was overtly lenient on grading is just one example of how colleges are no longer offering students the quality of education that will make the future of this country great.  If the quality of the education is not up to par, then neither is the degree.  Therefore, as Murray states in the NY Times op-ed, a degree should not be the defining factor in gaining employment.  As he so succinctly states, "It's what you can do that should count when you apply for a job, not where you learned how to do it."

As an educator who truly believes in the value of a true, worthy, college education, I do not make these statements lightly.  There are some fantastic college programs out there that offer a true education.  But on the flip side, there are many people out there that would not benefit from a college education because they can already DO what they need to in their respective jobs. 

So what should be more important?  Spending four years trying to "find yourself" in college (as many students do these days) or just getting out there and doing what must be done to get ahead (and in some cases, it is going to college)?

I Resolve to Not Make Resolutions

I always find the New Year celebrations to be entertaining. It is one of the few times a year when people truly let it all out, so to speak. It is as if people feel that this is the "last time" they can have some real fun because come tomorrow, it is time to put those pesky resolutions to work.

Which is why I don't like to make resolutions.

I used to make New Year's resolutions every year. And I am proud to say that I have kept some of them up. But lately I just don't see the point in the whole practice. I find that New Year's resolutions make me feel trapped and hinder true growth. I am more of a "goal setter all year long" kind of girl - isn't that the only way to improve yourself? Continuously, not just once a year. So I have thrown the New Year's resolutions out the window and I encourage all of you to do the same.

Don't misunderstand me, though. I am not saying that setting goals is a bad thing. Just don't set them once a year because you feel that you have to. Set them whenever you please and actually try to reach them. That way those goals mean more and when you do reach them, you feel a true sense of accomplishment, not just a feeling of "Yeah, I kept my New Year's resolution."

2009 is going to be a good year - I can feel it. Happy New Year!