Thursday, August 19, 2021 (Day 231)
Relaxing Music for the week: Sound of Invisible Waters: Deuter (9:32) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NW6Gwx59FY
Question: What would you do with your time if money were no object?
Answer: To be honest, I don’t know if I would be doing anything much different than what I’m doing now. I love doing Life Design Catalyst work; it’s so rewarding to see what happens when people (mostly students) go through this process and come out the other side with clarity and direction. I think the only thing that would make it better is that I had more control of my schedule. Instead of being asked to work a “normal” 9-5 job, I would be judged/graded/evaluated on the quality of the work, not on the amount of hours I’m putting in the office. For example, I’m teaching 10 sections of our “What Could I Do With My Life” course this semester – 7 in-person and 3 online. It’s interesting because not a single boss or administrator has recognized how much time I spend creating/modifying the curriculum, to find ways to make it best for the students. And since I’ve been at UNCG, students have NEVER been charged for a textbook – EVER! We have provided all of the materials for free, including poster paper to complete their various Poster Projects. And then the various assessments to understand students’ needs better; this semester, on the first day of classes, we’re presenting the students with a “survey” that’s helping us identifying what they want most to enhance their college experience. It’s been interesting to see their responses; right now, only about half state that getting a college degree is important. Many want help figuring out what they want to do in life, want to find their purpose in life, and want help choosing the right major/degree. And this information helps us decide where we need to put our energy in developing this course. How many programs/institutions can say that? And despite the issues with COVID this semester, we have over 500 students enrolled in our course this semester, so it’s my hope that we get a good number of responses from students. So, going back to the question, I am spending my time doing what I love to do, getting compensated an amount that works for me; I just wish that SOMEONE on this campus would appreciate and see the value of this work.
Other Stuff
I read an article yesterday morning that addressed 9 entrepreneurial traits for career success. As I was reading the article, they 9 traits doesn’t only apply to entrepreneurs; anyone interested in career success would find the information useful and valuable. Check it out here:
- 9 Entrepreneurial Traits for Career Success – https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/entrepreneurial-traits
As I reflected on the article, I would say that “Being Passionate” and “Being Optimistic” are definitely my strongest traits and “Keeping an Open Mind” and “Being Competitive” are the traits that could use a little work.
What about you?
The Dream Dean 