Dare to be Different!

Dear LiHK Leaders,
 

Grrrrr! *teeth grit*  I have been STRUGGLING lately with meeting certain 'standards'.  I am told that things 'should' be done this way and that way and it beats me up!  I don't like 'standards'; they are both objective and subjective, but I see that people desire to adhere to 'standards' when it meets their needs.  For example (and this is no one in particular) if my student got a 'C' in my class, according to university standards, they passed and as an adjunct professor, I will tell my student that as well.  However, being what some have called, "an overachiever" I can understand when my student may feel he/she has 'failed' themselves because of the grade standard that he/she set for himself/herself.  No matter how we view it subjectively, many universities state that the 'C' is passing.

On that same note, I am BUGGED when people say, "Well, this is how it's ALWAYS been done!"  My first thought, or even response, is, "...and you are okay with that?!?!  'ALWAYS' is a long time for something to keep happening, especially in the work environment.  Where is the innovation?  Where is the excitement in doing the 'same old thing'?  As I make my transition to doing more speaking engagements, I am asked, "What is my target audience?" and my response, "Anyone who will listen!"  Then I get, "Well, people are paying you so they can hear what they want to hear!"  Then I say, "Well, all they got when they signed up for the engagement was a summary.  They STILL might not hear what they want to hear!"  As a matter fact, I don't want people to come to my engagements to 'hear' anything; I want them to 'listen'.  It is my duty to make them listen.  

When I became an adjunct professor at the college, there was no specific 'target audience'.  They were students trying to achieve their goals or better their careers and in order to get 'there', they HAD to take my class!  Core requirements suck sometimes, don't they?!?!  But they are necessary; therefore, my courses are necessary.  My first class included tuition paying students, who ranged from ages 17-54 and I had to engage every person in there. I had to diversify my examples, use different teaching techniques so 1) they would LISTEN and 2) they would GET IT!  So in order to be successful, I just dare to be different.  I can't think about appeasing every person I speak to or teach.  I can't think about who will be turned off by an example.  Out of 30 students, one or two might turn their noses up at something I've said, but 28 are laughing their heads off.  At some point, those other two will hear something to which they can relate as well.  I put something on Facebook earlier this week: "Since standing up and talking for hours is more difficult than sitting and listening for hours, I, initially, speak for my enjoyment.  If you like it too, then it's a win-win situation!"  I value being content; my goal to be different makes me content.  Being different has worked for me more often than not, so I'm sticking to it!!  :-)

Signed, the leading lady,
Dr. Jai