On the beautiful Journey of Education: Some Brief Thoughts :-)

As we gear up for 2014, I thought the role of Educators and these "thoughts" capture the essence of it all:

It is literally true that you can succeed best and

quickest by helping others to succeed.

- Napoleon Hill 

The truth of the matter is that

you always know the right thing to do.

The hard part is doing it.

- Norman Schwarzkoff 

I have found the paradox,

that if you love until it hurts,

there can be no more hurt, only more love.

- Mother Teresa

All that we are is the result of what we have thought.

If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows him.

If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought,

happiness follows him, like a shadow that never leaves him.

- The Buddha

It is not easy at times to do the right thing--but the legacy we leave as Educators is critical and we must never forget that.

Onward to 2014 with all the beauty and the hope that it has before it :-)

On the Continued Changes in Education

I began this "Blog Channel" to reflect upon the evolution in Education partly as a result of some professional training.    The evolution is never ending--the question is whether the "Revolution" will be televised as we bid farewell to 2013 and await what is before us in 2014.   This is a just a "snapshot" of what is to come:

SmartBrief for the Higher Ed Leader

December 19, 2013

http://r.smartbrief.com/resp/eWluCaxPtNCvsclUCidzaGCicNRmWa

 

STUDENT AFFAIRS AND ACADEMICS

* Md. colleges partner to provide veteran services

* Colleges in 4 states, D.C. receive support to improve STEM programs

* Report: Competency-based programs should be part of higher-education reform

ADMISSIONS AND ENROLLMENT

* Federal panel recommends easing regulations on MOOCs

* College graduation rates rise in Ky. as those of low-income students fall

LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT

* Kan. regents implement new social media policy for employees

* Florida State University ranked as most financially efficient school

FUNDING AND GRANTS

* Why colleges must play to strengths instead of making cuts

Follow the link below to read quick summaries of these stories and others.

http://r.smartbrief.com/resp/eWluCaxPtNCvsclUCidzaGCicNRmWa

The essence of the Mission of Educators: A "Thought 4 the Day" :-)

“Work for a cause, not for applause.
Live your life to express, not to impress,
don’t strive to make your presence noticed,
just make your absence felt.”

~ Author Unknown

On Being Generous: The essence of being an Educator :-)

Some ideas courtesy of Keith Ferrazi:

Tip 376 - Be Generous

Being generous of spirit is a wonderful way to live. - Pete Seeger

A Profound Act of Generosity
You know I believe in generosity. If you lead with generosity, you build strong relationships and everyone wins. But recently, I learned about Dr. Theresa Welsh, a pediatrician from Pennsylvania whose remarkable generosity and selflessness has genuinely humbled me. That I could have had even a small role in her decision reminds me that, during this holiday season, we can always give more.
[READ ABOUT DR. WELSH'S GENEROSITY]
 
The Best Way to Get Something Is to Give Something They Need 
Continuing with the theme of “leading with generosity” … During his Social Capitalist interview, James Altucher, entrepreneur and best-selling author, told us how he develops ideas specifically to give to people he'd like to establish better relationships with. Altucher said we shouldn’t be scared of giving our ideas away: “When you give, you’ll receive – and that’s the only way you’ll receive.”
[READ THE BLOG POST]

On The Passing Away of Nelson Mandela....

Many around the World have been reflecting upon the life and legacy of Mandela.  As I have written in other "channels" of my evolving "outsiders" network,  my own life has been inspired by what Mandela did.   I was reflecting upon his legacy as I also reflected upon Education.   

All educators, in their own way, work to live up to this admonition from Madiba

"What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead."

Some of his notable quotes were compiled by the Guardian of London.    How such a man could be so forgiving continues to startle me.   I pray that this "ordnary face" will continue to learn the lessons.