Inspiring lives

Sometimes something is said in a class that intrigues me. It catches my attention. Today in my Adolescence class we discussed autonomy- a topic I’m not super familiar with. This area happens to be one of the passion topics for our teacher. This intrigued me. Call me crazy, but sometimes I like to read up on my teachers. This fascination started last school year when a professor mentioned that he did therapy as well as teaching. What?! My teacher had a life outside of teaching us? Wow. So I looked up his professional profile and learned more about his life and accomplishments. He’s a well educated and rounded person. He was well accredited in his field of study. That was impressive to me. Back to today:

I didn’t know much about my teacher. But he’s mentioned a couple times about research studies he’s been a part of. Today alone he talked about some correspondence with someone in Denmark that is with a worldwide journal. Then he mentioned something about receiving an email about how a scale he helped develop was used in China in a study of over 6,000 people. Hearing these things got me curious. What DOES my teacher study and do besides teach our one hour class three times a week? So I pulled up google scholar in the middle of class and typed in his name. Over 3,000 articles popped up. That’s right- 3,000. I only went through about the first three pages, but they are indeed him. It’s funny that many of the topics that pulled up were things he had mentioned to us in class, but I didn’t realize how much he was involved in the research for it. Incredible.

My point? It’s because of teachers like this that I believe with all my heart in finding your passion in life. I’ve never considered the age of adolescence as my forte. On the contrary. I enjoyed teaching EFY, and was surprised how much I did connect with them. But other than that, I’ve never worked with or considered working professionally with them. In fact, outside of EFY, I’ve never taught above the age of seven (unless you’re also counting callings to teach relief society). But as I sit in class and listen to him teach, as I study the material on my own, it is fascinating. It’s like a part of their passion rubs off onto me. I’ve had a few teachers like this in college, even a few in high school. I always thought it was just a talented teacher. I still think that’s a part of it. But I think there is more to it than that.

I think when we do what we love, it spreads to others to create more understanding and desire to learn. Those that are passionate about their work can do incredible things. They find their niche in life. And my life is better because of it.

Application: I want to be that kind of person. I think I’ve found my niche in life. I think I’ve found my passion. I changed my major once, then changed my emphasis until I found it. I get really excited and can talk for hours about why I love it and what I want to do with it. And if I can make a small difference with the things I love, then I think my life will be more complete. I want to inspire others to be better and to be more understanding because I too am doing the things I love.
Some days, like today, I’m blown away with how awesome some people I associate with truly are. :)

"Good morning Baltimore!" Or... wherever you happen to be. Yes, I finally did it. I have begun a blog, something I have wanted to do for months now. I can now put my adventures online, for friends and family to read. Maybe an occasional tirade- I don't know if you should look forward to those or not. ;)

My life- is wonderful! I'll probably be the one to update this blog, though I created it for our family (right now just Russell and I).

If you have any questions, please ask.

Here is a little bit about us to begin:

Russell- born April 27 in Canada. He loves hippos (I don't get it either). He also loves mac and cheese on a rainy day. A good game of chess is always at the forefront of his competitive side. He is kind hearted and very thoughtful. He loves getting to know people and making them laugh. The other day I heard him make the cable guy laugh- they'd met less than 15 min earlier. Not to mention that one of his favorite people in the world is his banker in Canada. (It has caused me to wonder- How does one become close to your banker? The idea was foreign to me at first) Grocery shopping is always fun with him. The cashiers are his new friends and sometimes our fellow shoppers are our guides to foods in the isle (though I venture to say they usually know as much as we do). :) Never a dull moment with Russell!!

Andrea- born June 25 in Utah. Angelic in every way. She counts every second as a precious diamond in a lost and dreary land. Loves to cook and beat her husband at every game out there. She is diligent and thoughtful and beautiful. Being kind is who she is and her mind is as beautiful as a rose in a field of thorns. She loves to go on bike rides and I am sure that one day she will convince me to be in some marathon of sorts. No matter what the weather is like she always loves half baked ice cream. She always has a funny joke and knows the exact time to say it.

The part about me (Andrea) was written by Russell. Don't believe most of it. Though, if you know me, or us, you know which parts are true. :) Russell kicks my trash most of the time playing games (unless it's a word game, like Bananagrams or Scrabble). And he is entirely too generous when it comes to my imperfections (which I usually appreciate greatly).

Russell and I got married last month- May 28. Yeah- I guess we still have the newly wed cheese (sorry if it makes you sick). :) But life is wonderful!!! We're currently living in Maryland for the summer and will move to Utah in the fall for me to finish school. :)