The things my students teach me

... teach and keep building on ideas that are interesting and are important

... show me how what I'm learning now fits in with what I want to do or will have to do someday

... don't hesitate picking others minds for strategies about what has worked well for them, especially about things which interest or intrigue me

... examples to work out together and applications to build on make the theory real

... it helps to hear and see the complex things explained several different ways at several different times

... if it's needed on the outside, and the connection to the class material is clear, labs can be kind of fun to do

... there is seldom enough time to make the class project work perfectly

... being responsible for evaluating requires providing direction on how to keep getting better

... covering the material in class requires more than covering the material in class

... if something learned in the classroom is used a couple of times while working professionally, the course has paid for itself.

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... don't be too cautious about trying new things - even if it sometime means having to start over again, well behind the start line.

- Vigs

Is it "a" path, or is it "the" path.

... We are often so convinced that our beliefs are "the" right ones. Others feel the same exact way. Is one right or the other, or none or all ?

There is no one on Earth who's quite like you or like me, and the beliefs we hold or the paths each of us have taken, are taking now, or will take are our very own. Grant others the civility we take for granted.

- Vigs

On being kind and kooky

The manner in which opposites and contradictions in the world around us often work together to make our lives whole can be quite peculiar. The battle of ideas and ideals on the inside is in many ways as important as any we may take up on the outside. Many of these questions are timeless, coming to us through the ages, and we can take comfort in knowing that they will still be there for other generations to face as well. These call to us for resolution, a solution which is uniquely ours.

Do not be unduly concerned by the uncertainty which seeking out such answers requires. Be open to the world around - its wonders, sorrows and delights - they all have their lessons for us to learn from.

I've often pondered about how to relate to this slightly wacky world in way which is meaningful to others and myself, while being welcoming, helpful and insightful. The "Be Kind and Kind of Kooky ^TM" blog explores these ideas.

My take on life: Be a work-in-progress. Just like this blog. By steadily trying to improve, I maintain the hope that I'm also helping create a future where there's plenty of place for others to grow and spread their wings.

Along the way try to be Kind - to others and most of all to oneself. We're often much too hard on ourselves, or on those in close relationships, or those under our supervision.

Also be a bit kooky - one way to find what we love to do is by exploring our hobbies and interests, and generally being our goofy selves.

- Vigs