More than a Teacher

I am responding to Dave's blog called "Coke or Mountain Dew." Dave says that the role model is a title we give to teachers when they are in the classroom. They are most likely knowledgeable, wise, fair, and exemplary people. However, he implies that we forget that teachers are human beings who are vulnerable and susceptible to mistakes, wrongdoings, and unjust acts. No one is perfect and that doesn't make him or her a less respectable or worthy person. Therefore as he says, "students run to a person who has been in their shoes before." Students can connect to their teachers, because they see that the teacher has had experiences simliar to theirs. Teachers and students can engage in personal conversations. This is because the teacher cares about the student at a deeper level and the student is allowed to see the teacher as a human being.

I just started picked up a translation of "The Dhammapada" by Gil Fronsdal, which is a Buddhist scripture of the Buddhist path of life. I found some passages that describe how a sage or role model is certainly not perfect, but is always bettering himself through his life.

1) Irrigators guide water;
Fletchers shape arrows;
Carpenters fashion wood;
Sages tame themselves.

2) Greater in combat
Than a person who conquers
A thousand times a thousand people
Is the person who conquers herself.

3) As one instructs others,
So should one do oneself:
Only the self-controlled should restrain others.
Truly, it's hard to restrain oneself.

I have recently had an experience where I was able to connect to a professor at a more personal level. I was having a difficult time within the class, but she gave me the opportunity to call her at home and have a long conversation with her about what was wrong and how I was feeling towards the situation. I was very appreciative that she was open to talking to me on an emotional and personal level, and she could understand and relate to my experience. Although I wasn't having a problem that dealt outside the classroom, it is not everyday that I can approach a teacher with my concerns and expect support and sympathy in return. I have a stronger admiration and apprecation for this professor, because of the deeper student and teacher relationship.