Things # 3 - comments related to Thing # 2

I already consider myself a Life Long Learner. I have changed careers, positions and locations at least five times in the last 30 years and have continued to assume new responsibilities requiring research and study. Being an administrator in a University setting made the incorporation of life long learning a given. I am a firm believer that each individual is responsible for their own learning experience and only that individual can make the decision to learn. My past positions at the University level provided me with the opportunity to advise students of all ages that learning is neverending and a personal experience. Independent learning is the key to success and the sooner an individual embraces this idea the more inspired and confident they become. It has been interesting coming back to the High School environment and observing students and unfortunately teachers who are convinced some individuals cannot learn. Again it is about learning "how" to learn and "wanting" to learn that is crucial. There is the underlying myth that a teacher can "learn" as student. A teacher can teach a student and needs to continue to hone their communication and instructional skills. But in the end, it is the student who has to have the desire, see the purpose of learning and be willing to work to reap the benefits of an education.