The observed lessons

For thanksgiving weekend we didn't have class but I have been thinking a lot about the lessons I have learned through observing. I made a trip to Saint George where the whole family was gathering for the holiday, and just being around my family has shown me how lucky I am to have such great teachers as parents.

Growing up our home life was far from perfect but my parents were always striving to make our house a place of refuge and a place where the spirit could reside, even when making that possible required some very hard decisions. They taught me how to spot negative influences for what they really were and they taught me the importance of the gospel. This lesson wasn't something that we sat down and talked about but it was just something they emanated in their actions and decisions for the family. Obviously I hope that this is something I can channel in my own family but beyond that I think that some of the most important and most valuable lessons learned are the ones that are not taught in a discussion but that are seen in actions.

Earlier this year we talked about setting a good example for the students by doing things like using appropriate and respectful language, talking about how important our families are to us, and even just picking up trash around campus. One thing I want to try and emanate in my class room is the value and enthusiasm of learning. There have been rare occasions when I realize just how important knowledge is and how exciting it can be to learn new things. I think that it is this attitude that drives me to learn more then just the curriculum but to apply the subject and use the class as a foundation of where to start learning more. Its this attitude that makes classes influential. I'll be the first to admit that this time of year my enthusiasm for learning is waning. I need to work on changing this attitude, because knowledge is power and if I expect to have this atmosphere and lesson in my classroom I need to have it in my own studies.