Chapter 1: The Importance of Life Experience in Teaching

Since stepping into the role of an educator, I have been focused on conveying the significance of real-life experiences to my students. While there are specific academic standards and subject matter we must cover, I believe that linking these lessons to life experiences is the most effective way to connect with students in need of support. What holds value in your life? How can we seek joy amidst an ever-changing and chaotic society? To truly embody my message of happiness and fulfillment, I realized I had to live it myself.

After enduring a demanding first year teaching 6th to 8th grade English in Columbus, Ohio, I found myself with a few months of respite. As the school year came to a close, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. Did I need a career change, or was this just a necessary break to regroup? Ultimately, I chose to continue teaching at that school for the following seven years, and my philosophy on utilizing time off has transformed since then.

I resolved to structure my summers around three key elements: professional development, relaxation, and pursuing personal interests that could change from year to year. Most educators have similar priorities, though the emphasis on each may vary.

Leisure and hobbies became my primary focus. Many teachers I know opted for gaming consoles to unwind after a stressful school year, wanting to escape thoughts of the classroom. I was no different when I built my first gaming PC—these impulse purchases often mirrored my levels of stress and panic at that time in my teaching career.

The initial year of teaching was a whirlwind of discovering my voice, establishing boundaries, maintaining fairness, being approachable, satisfying administrative expectations, and, most importantly, teaching. I quickly learned that being an educator involves playing multiple roles: mentor, counselor, literary critic, and sometimes even the antagonist. While I had discussed these concepts in college, the reality of teaching hit me hard. It took me around three to five years to truly find my style.

As my career progressed, my desires shifted. While I could share the story of my PC build with students, it didn’t resonate with everyone. I began to realize the importance of spending my free time cultivating a well-rounded persona. I found that having shared experiences with students often mattered more than merely expressing an interest in a topic.

Before long, I was engaging in a variety of activities: cooking, biking, traveling, and even revisiting anime from my childhood. Although there were summers when I dove into video games like "Breath of the Wild" and "FFXIV," none of those pursuits became my sole focus. However, one of the most enriching hobbies I adopted was attending movies alone.

You might think that going to the cinema solo seems sad. While it might appear that way to those unfamiliar with the experience, I discovered a new world of enjoyment. Attending a matinee by myself opened doors I never knew existed—there's something magical about seeing a new film in the theater. With no Blockbuster in sight, this has become my new favorite pastime.

Currently, I hold a pass for a nearby theater, allowing me to watch up to three movies a week for just $20. This incredible deal has made it feasible for me to catch every film I want during the summer without breaking the bank. This hobby only occupies about six hours of my week, leaving plenty of time for other real-life responsibilities.

Teachers should not feel guilty about utilizing their downtime to recharge and explore activities that might not be available to friends with different schedules. Unless you have kids, you may find yourself spending time with fellow educators or making the most of your solitude. This creates opportunities that can either be filled with mindless reruns or more productive endeavors.

For those who haven’t experienced it, the challenges of being a new teacher can be overwhelming. Many enter the profession with noble intentions, only to be disillusioned and leave within three years. While teaching does become easier with experience, the initial years are fraught with stressors that can lead to burnout. It’s essential to carve out time during the summer for personal planning, but that alone doesn't address the myriad mental hurdles faced by teachers.

The stress, low pay, and often thankless job of teaching can make it difficult to continue. Many new teachers, myself included, took on side jobs during the summer to cope. Unfortunately, teachers often have too much unstructured time, leading to panic and considerations of leaving the profession. Establishing a plan and routine for your summer can help alleviate anxiety and prevent hasty decisions about your career path.

Ultimately, educators should not feel guilty for embracing life in an authentic way, especially during breaks. It’s vital to show students that you are a real human being, complete with your own interests and experiences. This authenticity resonates with students, encouraging them to connect with you on a deeper level.

Chapter 2: Balancing Work and Personal Life

In this moving lecture, Randy Pausch shares his insights on achieving childhood dreams, emphasizing the importance of pursuing one's passions in life.

This engaging vlog captures a week in the life of a student, showcasing the balance between modeling, shopping, and college activities, reminding educators to connect with their students' experiences.