I have been wondering lately about how one becomes an expert on something.
Many people go to school for way too long so they can post a few initials after their name. Certainly, they have the information in their heads, and I would assume that they understand the minute details of what it is they have studied. These seem to rank at the front of the pack when it comes to expertise.
Others work at a particular job or in a specific industry long enough and they have seen and done approximately everything there is to do in that field. They eventually stand in the position of having all the rookies and possibly some of the other veterans approach them for advice.
Still more live long enough to become life experts. Eighty some years on this planet have to count for something don't they? They may not consider themselves experts but to last that long, you have to have done a few things right.
My least favorite is the expert who has no qualifications, no experience and minimal years of life on their resume. Middle school kids are the first group who come to mind when thinking about this brand of expert. On any given day, you will be lucky to get a middle school kid to remember what he had for breakfast, but they can pass out relationship advice like they were Ann Landers, Dear Abby and Dr. Phil all crammed into one pint-sized body.
So how does a person come to be regarded as an expert? Is it one of the four things listed above? Maybe it is a combination of all of them. I wonder if 90% of becoming an expert is being confident enough in what you say or do and then presenting yourself as an expert. There has to be some credibility behind your expertise, but it seems that confidence can get you that "expert" label. Maybe I'll try it.
I have been working with middle school, high school and college students for 13 years now. I am an expert. Maybe I will write a book.
Right after I work in another area of my expertise. I'm off to dunk a few Oreos in some milk and curl them to my mouth. (By "a few", I mean anywhere from 4-17 cookies).
Peace.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Friday, June 5, 2009
Lessons
Thursday was the last day of our after school program for middle school kids. I have been working with students for about 13 years now, students from junior high all the way up to college. It is still amazing to keep learning all the time about how kids think and act. I don't have any advanced degrees with letters after my name. I haven't studied formally about how to deal with teenagers and their many, many issues and concerns. Here are a few things that I did learn, or was reminded of, over the last nine months of working with at risk sixth, seventh and eighth graders.
1. We have no control over who our parents are, what they are like as people or as parents, how much they use their gifts or talents, how much money comes into the house or anything else along those lines. We don't get to choose who gives birth to us and then brings us up in this life. The field isn't always level when we start the game.
2. Middle school boys are often full of deadly odors and they are not shy about sharing with others. Enough said.
3. I got quite an education in gang signs and symbols. I am no expert but I now know some things to be aware of. Gangs are often about being connected and taking care of each other. It's all about being "loved" without actually saying that.
4. Lots of kids don't know how to dream. No one talks to them about what they can do when they "grow up". It is difficult to encourage them to dream and stay grounded in reality at the same time.
5. Emotions run high and logic is often non-existent.
6. Things don't automatically happen just because you spend time with a kid. It is good to let your life be an example, but sometimes you need to teach using words.
7. Kids need to know they are loved; that lays the foundation for everything that follows.
8. Change takes time. We want to change the world, but it is one very small step after another.
There were many more moments of enlightenment, too many to list. Suffice it to say that it was a hard year, but a very good year. Our summer programs start in a week so we will be right back at it. I'll keep you posted.
Peace.
1. We have no control over who our parents are, what they are like as people or as parents, how much they use their gifts or talents, how much money comes into the house or anything else along those lines. We don't get to choose who gives birth to us and then brings us up in this life. The field isn't always level when we start the game.
2. Middle school boys are often full of deadly odors and they are not shy about sharing with others. Enough said.
3. I got quite an education in gang signs and symbols. I am no expert but I now know some things to be aware of. Gangs are often about being connected and taking care of each other. It's all about being "loved" without actually saying that.
4. Lots of kids don't know how to dream. No one talks to them about what they can do when they "grow up". It is difficult to encourage them to dream and stay grounded in reality at the same time.
5. Emotions run high and logic is often non-existent.
6. Things don't automatically happen just because you spend time with a kid. It is good to let your life be an example, but sometimes you need to teach using words.
7. Kids need to know they are loved; that lays the foundation for everything that follows.
8. Change takes time. We want to change the world, but it is one very small step after another.
There were many more moments of enlightenment, too many to list. Suffice it to say that it was a hard year, but a very good year. Our summer programs start in a week so we will be right back at it. I'll keep you posted.
Peace.
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