It has been some time since I wrote here. There has been a lot going on. So, as any good Public Speaking student will agree with, I shall break it down into main points and ask you to follow along:
1) This semester was a little more challenging than most, not because of the courses being taught but because of some of the realities that are setting in re: my role. I am happy to report that the honeymoon between me and UNO is now over. It typically does not take long for me (far too cynical for my own good), but I am starting to see everything and just beginning to recognize the internal workings going on. My students have such potential, but not all of them want to be pushed. My students bring such insight to their discussions ... but not all of them bring it to their work. This is something that I struggled with. I lucked out in that - at least it seemed to me - the latter students strived to become the former. It was excellent. I start to wonder why others are not challenging their students as well. I hope they are, but the amount of red on the paper when I am done might speak to the contrary. Perhaps I am tricking myself into thinking my own work is that important or influential. If I am, that happens. I just want my students to be the best they can be. If I can help in that ... even if that means backing out and off ... then I will do that. Our job is to push our students further than they have ever gone before. Imagine if each of our instructors did that during our education experiences. Where would we be now?
2) I find myself really, REALLY digging around in various social media applications and "worlds." I wonder if I can write this Twitter/Blog/Facebook/Online TV/CreativeCommons/NewsSurfing reality off as "Research"? I certainly hope so. I am really interested in seeing how relationships are developed and maintained in 140 characters (that is a Twitter reference, BTW). I think meaningful relationships, though very target and intention-specific, can happen. You may not speak with that person everyday, or even every week, but you read their words, perhaps respond (or at least re-Tweet), and learn something you did not know before. Isn't that what communication (and the World Wide Web) is supposed to be all about? I think so. I look forward to your thoughts.
3) Perhaps a 2b rather than a 3 - I find that I am discussing (read "complaining") social situations more and more and wondering what I can do about it ... I mean really DO about it. I hate the idea that, because I have carved out my dusty, book-riddled, dimly-lit corner of the Ivory Tower, I cannot REALLY enact change in my immediate and global society(-ies). So, outside of the classroom, I just post things on Facebook or Twitter and wait for the conversation to get started. It is fun to watch. Sometimes, nothing happens, and my statement or link sits dormant and flaccid. Other times, however, the responses, rants, yelling, exasperations, agreements, extensions, alternatives, and discussions come pouring in. I love it. This is exactly what is needed. The question becomes "what is the next step?" I am hoping that the conversation does not end there. I hope that people keep thinking about what they said - that is was not just a rant but something that gets brought back with them back to the offline discussions.
4) I think I may be in Omaha for a few years. I see the potential here. I have people in my life that I care about deeply here. Of course, if something calls me home, then I go. Having said that, and in reference to 1), the honeymoon is over. I am here. Time to make the most of it. Watch out, Omaha! You just inherited a Tyma. What you gonna do now?
That is all. Oh yeah - bangs are at 11 inches. Thinking either September or New Year for the hair donation. Also thinking the new ink comes this summer. Stay tuned.
Cheers and be excellent to each other!
Adam.
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