Experiential Education

Afternoon all.

I am not built for classrooms.

I've tried and tried to enjoy being in a classroom and furthering my education, but it's just not me. When I made the decision to go back to school and attempt to become a teacher, I did it because I wanted to help the people like me in the world. School is dull, but it doesn't have to be. I can count on one hand the number of teachers that have made the subjects relevant to me and made me actually enjoy them, but what they taught me has stayed with me with much more tenacity.

Please note, I'm not saying that the normal system is wrong or bad. It's just not right for everyone. Some people thrive in the classroom, learning everything that is thrown at them and relishing in re-living it later that night. For me, the classroom is incredibly over-rated. I find it ridiculous that we live in a society that values Knowledge over Experience. I mean, in my life so far I have done so many amazing things, if I do say so myself. To name the few that jump out off the top of my head;

~ I've traveled from Los Angeles to New York in a bus full of people I didn't know.

~ I've climbed down the Grand Canyon, and taken a helicopter over the top.

~ I've hiked through monument valley and spoken to the remaining Navajo Indians.

~ I've worked in more types of Job than I care to remember. Need a Martini? I've been a bartender in 4 places. Need to climb something? I can tie ropes that will keep you safe. Need to travel down a river? I've whitewater rafted on two continents and three countries. Need a child looked after? I worked on camp for 2 years, did my work experience in a school and have 4 younger brothers.

~ I've ridden an Elephant and stroked a Tiger like a kitten.

~ On my 16Th birthday I was miles from home in Thailand climbing 2 kilometers up a mountain.

~ I have lived and worked with people from all walks of life and countless counties.

~ I know the different types of fires you can build and how to light them, even without matches.

~ I've driven with friends hundreds of miles for a night out and a boat race.

~ I've had experience with every major childhood illness, from ADD to Night terrors, and I have experienced just about everything there is to do with Diabetes.

~ I've stood up in front of hundreds of children, and entertained.

None of this however, is academic. So someone the same age as me with a degree is, in the eye of an employer, a better fit for a job.

I know I'm being pessimistic here. I can just finish my degree and even the chances, perhaps even tip them my way by mentioning the life I've lead, but why should I have to? It just seems like a VERY broken system. Nothing I have learned in the classroom has helped me become who I am today, nor will it help me become the person I want to be. Family, friends, relationships, jobs and experience are the factors that have shaped me. No textbook could do that.

Still. I can see the uses education has. It's looking very unlikely that I'll be able to return to America for an extended period until I finish this degree and go for a masters at U of M Dearborn. Yes, I'll be following Kit and Burbs. At least, that seems like the most likely plan.

So, in conclusion, I'll leave you with some pictures that document my "Education" thus far. (Facebookers might want to click here to see the pictures!)







And a quote from a man named Tom Bodett;

“The difference between school and life? In school, you're taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson.”

Keep it safe kids.

Jamie
Veg
Dunch