One of the key things I strive for every year, every month, and even every day is to grow as a person. I know it’s a dorky thing to say, but it’s something I truly strive for. As individuals we go through many times in our lives that change us (hopefully for the better). I have had a few such times in my life where I have “evolved”. In high school I knew a lot of people, but I was still relatively shy and a good number of my friends were through my best friend Nick. But in college, I really broke out of my shell in a big way and went through my “social evolution”. I think it was a mix of independence, proximity, and meeting a big group of friends on pretty much my first day there. It really was an amazing time in my life, and I think back of it very fondly on a regular basis.
In the past 5 years, I have really experienced my “intellectual evolution”. Maybe its partially been spurned on by becoming an educator, but I am really just trying to learn everything I can. I read a ton and almost exclusively non-fiction. There is really just so many interesting things going on in the world that it’s hard to really justify reading about something some random guy (or girl) just made up. I always hated history in school and it was my worst subject, but there are really so many amazing accounts of the outstanding events in the history of our country and our world. I feel that history is taught so much better in schools today and I am jealous that I never had some of the history teachers I have had the pleasure of working with. I also love reading about human and animal psychology, sociology, sports, economics, cooking, fitness, and pretty much anything. In short, knowing $h*t is awesome. I mean the old adage “knowledge is power” might be a bit overstated, but knowledge certainly is powerful. It feels great to be able to answer a question from a student about nearly any topic and not feel like I am reaching for answers out of my anus.
In conclusion, self improvement and self reflection should be a part of the goals of everyone on a regular basis. Try to hit some of these “personal evolutions” regardless of your age, intellect, or status. It may be pretty hard for me, but we can always be better. Better people, better sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, employees, students, and intellectuals. Growth is the vessel of the self actualized.
