So, through all of this self-discovery: looking deep within myself to discover who I truly am and what I truly enjoy, it basically comes down to two titles: I am a student AND a teacher. As a student, I continuously seek knowledge and understanding, delving into various subjects that ignite my passion and curiosity. Each lesson learned adds depth to my perspective, enriching not only my life but also the lives of those around me. Simultaneously, as a teacher, I feel a profound responsibility to share this knowledge and inspire others on their own journeys. The dynamic interplay between learning and teaching creates a cycle of growth and empowerment, where every experience, both as a student absorbing information and a teacher imparting wisdom, shapes my identity and purpose in this vast world.

As I’ve said before: I love to learn. I am constantly on the lookout for some new idea to explore or some project to learn or some skill to master. My curiosity drives me to delve into various subjects, from the intricate worlds of science and technology to the enchanting depths of literature and art. Along the way, though, I love to teach what I am learning/have learned with everyone who is willing to read what I type here. I believe sharing knowledge not only reinforces my own understanding but also sparks new conversations and inspires others to embark on their own learning journeys. Whether through practical tips, insightful reflections, or thought-provoking questions, I aim to create a space where learning is a shared adventure, encouraging a community of enthusiastic learners to connect, explore, and grow together.

I just read an article yesterday “A Writer’s Dirty Little Secret” by Dan Wells that just clicked with me. I do not want to teach, type up blog posts, fix my website, or share links for the betterment of my readers; instead, I approach these tasks with a deeply personal motivation. I do it for me, as the joy I find in the process is profoundly fulfilling. I find it exciting to not just learn these new skills but to share HOW I learned those skills, almost like unraveling a fascinating mystery. I love the challenge of discovering the proper wording to enable people to understand what I am sharing, taking care not to rely on my favorite go-to words like thingamajig, doohickey, or thingamabob, which can sometimes obscure the message I wish to convey. This endeavor allows me to experiment with language and communication, honing my ability to express complex ideas in a relatable manner, fostering a connection that transcends mere sharing and turns it into an enriching experience for both me and those who choose to engage with my writing.

When I was in high school, I took a creative writing class. One of the assignments was to write out instructions, teaching someone how to brush their teeth, while assuming the person had never seen a toothbrush or toothpaste. It was illuminating, discovering the need to dissect terminology which so many of us take for granted when they have been performing a skill/trade/job for years. I know you have run into it before: How-to manuals or websites that have you looking up the definition of words just so you can understand what is required of you just to complete the first step (I have even run into that in many of the “For Dummies” set of books, which did a lot for my self-esteem at the time). This experience not only made me more aware of my own understanding but also humbled me, highlighting how easily we can overlook the basics that are often second nature to us. I have always done my best learning with simple instructions, whether those are from someone I am learning from or I am giving them (especially at the start of a new learning adventure). This principle became especially clear to me as I navigated through various educational and professional scenarios. I learned that quickly when I was an adult, helping jewelers (over the phone) fix a computer problem. In those moments, I had to break down complex technical jargon into everyday language, ensuring that my explanations were both clear and relatable so that the jewelers could troubleshoot effectively without feeling overwhelmed or confused. 🙂

As I work through this realization, my goals are to become not only a better student, deeply committed to properly learn and grow in my pursuits, but also to evolve into a more effective and inspiring teacher for those around me. I recognize that this transformation will take time and effort, and I am not entirely sure how that will look as I navigate this journey of personal and professional development. Each step in this process brings with it new challenges and opportunities for growth, which I am excited to embrace. I find immense joy in sharing this adventure with you, as your support and companionship mean the world to me, and together, we can explore the possibilities that lie ahead while striving to make a positive impact on those in our lives.