As some of you may know, I started coaching football this year. As excited as I was to be a part of the game I love again, I was just as much scared of the thought of being in charge of teaching young men a game that I never much had success with in the end. Sure, I loved playing and I always dreamed of going to college on a football scholarship and then moving on to the NFL, but sometimes dreams and real life are either late or miss entirely the planning party you have for them. Thus, my dreams of being a Hall of Fame quarterback were dashed by my height, bad ankles, lack luster coaching, an ancient school counselor, and a lack of mental readiness for the challenges that faced me during school and shortly after graduation. I was this kid:
That's life some may say. I have found the life does really happen between making plans. Unfortunately for me, my life plans were pretty lofty and I was not at all prepared for what was required to achieve them. That is why I am so excited to help my students see their futures for what they can be and not just for what they believe they should be or cannot see. I've been through so much and have so many experiences that can really help me to give my students an excellent insight in to the world they are about to enter, even if I am no longer considered cool by fashion and pop-culture standards. For instance, I was meeting with a student today and veered off into a discussion about age differences when it comes to movie preferences. You see, my wife and I are in different periods of the age bracket when it comes to our peer groups.
So, her idea of what a good movie is does not automatically define my choice in films. As an example that was covered during my meeting with this particular student, I have a lot of movies that came out just after my deliverance into this world that hold a special place in my collection simply because they were awesome to me then. Granted, I would still watch these films now, but I understand that they are technically out of date and do not stand up to the criticism and technological advances of modern day films...but I still love them. The specific movie that came into question was this 1979 film from my childhood:
I know, believe me I know. The graphics are sad, the story line seems really weird, and the effects and costumes are very dated, but back in that time period, this was cool and state-of-the-art. I loved it as I have always enjoyed science fiction films and stories (E.G. Star Wars). Hey, this gave me an opportunity to teach you about when to use I.E. and E.G.! Anyway, the point of this is that...well, I just wanted something to post about and this is how my workday started. So, take it for what you will, but if this gives you an opportunity to write about something on your own blog and post it here, respond to this blog (hint hint), or simply get a new perspective this week, the I would call it a success. I look forward to any comments or suggestions for new topics that may be and hopefully will be added. Thanks and have a great week!
NWAllprep Teacher Extraordinaire
and sometimes Genius
