I was reflecting on what I really want to be part of. Transformation. That's a loaded word with a lot of freight. How to unpack it? Where does it begin? I guess it begins with my own journey, my story. These past years have been years of transformation, in little ways and in big ways. It's all too big to sit in a post, but perhaps I can take one item out of the suitcase at a time.
I believe that 'finding oneself' is overrated, an easy catch-all, along with 'be yourself.' We're much too conscious of others, monitoring the way we are perceived to have an idea of ourselves. I believe much of my growth has resulted from getting to know myself. In taking the time to reflect on my own, and with others, I've come to terms with who I am (during my better moments!). During my not so good moments, I fall into false thinking. Knowing this, my question is, how to build capacity and awareness in our students? How to awaken them to themselves? How to be part of their becoming? It strikes me that these are important questions. I wonder if a place to start would be go facilitate exploration of students' stories, first through being curious about their identity. New B.C. curriculum and government proposals recognize the importance of personal and social identity.
One of the core competencies in the new B.C. government documents is
"Personal and Social—Personal and social competency is the set of abilities that relate to students' identity in the world, both as individuals and as members of their community and society. Personal and social competency encompasses the abilities students need to thrive as individuals, to understand and care about themselves and others, and to find and achieve their purposes in the world." (https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/competencies)
Don't we all want to 'thrive...understand...care...find and achieve our purposes?
Let's begin to share our stories. Let's be bold, audacious and courageous as we seek out new ways.