Rocking The Boat
Task Zero, Review
This book has really hit home with me. I have become enlightened from all of the examples that Meyerson gives about the “tempered radicals.” I believe that we are constantly conforming to our surroundings and what is expected of us inside and outside of the workplace and society in general. However, there are many ramifications of what is expected that keep us from coming out of our comfort zones and maybe even evolving into our true selves. We have to adhere to these requirements.
Meyerson describes these challenges in Part 3 “Facing the Challenges” as “1-the difficulties of ambivalence, 2- the incremental lures of co-optation, 3-potential damage to their reputation, and 4-frustration and burnout” (Pages 143-144). In these four topics there is a focus on what we internalize and the psychological affects that this process has on us. We have these external requirements to fulfill that take can over our ultimate goals if we allow them to. We might have our own expectations but once we enter the workforce and the environment that is not entirely our own, the expectations we once had are completely destroyed or rearranged as something we never expected.
The idea that we must “fit in” in order to be accepted is always lingering. The idea that these difficulties are not there are true is only part of the challenge that we must face.
Task One, How am I different?
I believe that feeling different because of social norms is a great thing. There are times when I feel like I am not doing what is expected of me, however as Meyerson states we must stay true to our self. There are many challenges that exist when we are not true to ourselves and when we are constantly trying to conform to what is expected. I do think that the more I feel different from society the more I feel confined to the constraints of social acceptance. However, I also believe that I have to set examples for those who are following my lead including my family, especially my two young daughters, as well as the students I am in front of each day. As a mom there are certain expectations to withhold which society again has a certain view and opinion of and as a professional and more importantly, an educator at that it is my responsibility to make the part of my job that I can control as positive as I can.
While trying to do all of this I might sometimes lose sight of what is true or not to myself but I know that I am doing the best when faced with all requirements and challenges of it all.
Task Two, Becoming a Tempered Radical
On the continuum, I see myself being on the left side where I feel most comfortable. There are times when I would like to emerge and take more risks, however I think I am more like Martina Holbrina in the book at times. I stay where I am comfortable without trying too hard to be where I would like to be. I do think that I have to begin a change in myself. I have been in the same position for 12 years and I think that it is truly time to make a change for myself in order to see a difference in others. I feel like there are things holding me back personally, socially and professionally.
Some lessons I take from the book are to become more accepting of the possibilities and believe in a successful, positive future. There are so many times when I make excuses or just let something pass by instead of going for it. Even entering the MSU program I had reservations. I didn’t think I would even be considered in comparison to my counterparts. Looking back, I see myself in the greatest of company and learning so much from the entire experience. I can only hope to become more confident and believing of a more successful future for myself through all of life’s experiences.
Task Three, Facing challenges
The four challenges are applicable to what I am experiencing personally and professionally. I am in a place personally where I am just starting to raise my kids. It is an extremely challenging time in my life to attempt to balance my daily tasks as a parent and as a teacher. However, I know I have worked basically my whole life to get to where I am today. Meyerson pinpoints the real struggles that professionals face. I believe that we all go through it in life no matter what stage we’re in. It is up to us to make the appropriate changes in our lives to overcome such challenges without over thinking or becoming consumed by it all. Ultimately it is my responsibility to educate the students I have, regardless of their backgrounds or what society believes them to be capable of doing in my classroom. There are times when we as educators, can step back from curriculum and truly reflect on the difference we are making. Our students should feel comfortable learning and I think that this is a true factor of the social economic component or urban education. Sometimes they just want to talk or put their heads down and that should be understood. It is up to us to make a difference in the lives of our students whether it be big or small.
Task Zero, Review
This book has really hit home with me. I have become enlightened from all of the examples that Meyerson gives about the “tempered radicals.” I believe that we are constantly conforming to our surroundings and what is expected of us inside and outside of the workplace and society in general. However, there are many ramifications of what is expected that keep us from coming out of our comfort zones and maybe even evolving into our true selves. We have to adhere to these requirements.
Meyerson describes these challenges in Part 3 “Facing the Challenges” as “1-the difficulties of ambivalence, 2- the incremental lures of co-optation, 3-potential damage to their reputation, and 4-frustration and burnout” (Pages 143-144). In these four topics there is a focus on what we internalize and the psychological affects that this process has on us. We have these external requirements to fulfill that take can over our ultimate goals if we allow them to. We might have our own expectations but once we enter the workforce and the environment that is not entirely our own, the expectations we once had are completely destroyed or rearranged as something we never expected.
The idea that we must “fit in” in order to be accepted is always lingering. The idea that these difficulties are not there are true is only part of the challenge that we must face.
Task One, How am I different?
I believe that feeling different because of social norms is a great thing. There are times when I feel like I am not doing what is expected of me, however as Meyerson states we must stay true to our self. There are many challenges that exist when we are not true to ourselves and when we are constantly trying to conform to what is expected. I do think that the more I feel different from society the more I feel confined to the constraints of social acceptance. However, I also believe that I have to set examples for those who are following my lead including my family, especially my two young daughters, as well as the students I am in front of each day. As a mom there are certain expectations to withhold which society again has a certain view and opinion of and as a professional and more importantly, an educator at that it is my responsibility to make the part of my job that I can control as positive as I can.
While trying to do all of this I might sometimes lose sight of what is true or not to myself but I know that I am doing the best when faced with all requirements and challenges of it all.
Task Two, Becoming a Tempered Radical
On the continuum, I see myself being on the left side where I feel most comfortable. There are times when I would like to emerge and take more risks, however I think I am more like Martina Holbrina in the book at times. I stay where I am comfortable without trying too hard to be where I would like to be. I do think that I have to begin a change in myself. I have been in the same position for 12 years and I think that it is truly time to make a change for myself in order to see a difference in others. I feel like there are things holding me back personally, socially and professionally.
Some lessons I take from the book are to become more accepting of the possibilities and believe in a successful, positive future. There are so many times when I make excuses or just let something pass by instead of going for it. Even entering the MSU program I had reservations. I didn’t think I would even be considered in comparison to my counterparts. Looking back, I see myself in the greatest of company and learning so much from the entire experience. I can only hope to become more confident and believing of a more successful future for myself through all of life’s experiences.
Task Three, Facing challenges
The four challenges are applicable to what I am experiencing personally and professionally. I am in a place personally where I am just starting to raise my kids. It is an extremely challenging time in my life to attempt to balance my daily tasks as a parent and as a teacher. However, I know I have worked basically my whole life to get to where I am today. Meyerson pinpoints the real struggles that professionals face. I believe that we all go through it in life no matter what stage we’re in. It is up to us to make the appropriate changes in our lives to overcome such challenges without over thinking or becoming consumed by it all. Ultimately it is my responsibility to educate the students I have, regardless of their backgrounds or what society believes them to be capable of doing in my classroom. There are times when we as educators, can step back from curriculum and truly reflect on the difference we are making. Our students should feel comfortable learning and I think that this is a true factor of the social economic component or urban education. Sometimes they just want to talk or put their heads down and that should be understood. It is up to us to make a difference in the lives of our students whether it be big or small.