Understanding Geography and Other New Learning

I awakened this morning thinking of my traveling daughter. When she was a freshman in high school, the subject she liked the least was geography. In the hands of a creative educator, this subject could surely come alive but she was faced with memorizing capitals and the topography of places unfamiliar. The irony is that she immerses herself in geography now, having visited most of Europe, China, remote Alaska, and living a year in New Zealand. She is presently in Antarctica. I wonder what her former teacher would think of that, having written her off as a mediocre geography student. Yet there are teachers who inspire students--my comparative literature professor in college, Glauco Cambon, who sadly died of a heart attack at 67. He made the Italian Renaissance come alive for me when previously it was just six pages in a history book. I happily immersed myself in all he recommended, encountering what is best about learning--discovery guided by someone who passionately loves the subject he is teaching. I have been lucky enough to have wonderful mentors in both my undergraduate education--Lee Jacobus and Jim Scully come to mind--and my more recent graduate education--Baron Wormser, Terrence Hayes, Laure-Anne Bosselaar Joan Connor, Barbara Hurd, and more. I know it makes a difference. I aspire to be this kind of educator--a writer who teaches, believing that the written word is a tool for change, inspiration, comfort, and just plain enjoyment. Reaching non-traditional learners is something I love because they are the non-conformists of the world. Interacting with material in a way I wouldn't have thought of, they teach me as much as I teach them. It is in this way that I remain fresh and engaged as a teacher. I know I cannot make every student enjoy poetry but I do believe I can make every student engage in one poem. One poem may lead to another poem in the same way that walking around the block may lead to walking a mile. We never lose our ability to learn and grow. My own children have taught me a great deal about wonder, risk-taking, critical thinking and engagement. The adventure can continue for a lifetime.