Hello from my back patio on the mini-acre,
It is astounding to me that I am staring straight into the face of another semester, another academic year, and the reality of completing my career in academe, at least in a formal manner. As noted in another post, my more-than-wise father once noted how time will seem to pass so much more quickly as we age. Again he was correct. If I were keeping track, I think he has a perfect record.
As I write this, the world continues to seemingly spin out of control. In an unprecedented action, the FBI has raided the residence of a former President. I do hope this was, and is proven to be, warranted. I do believe it has the potential to create a revolution in this country. However, Attorney General Merrill Garland does not strike me as a shoot-from-the-hip person. Doubtless, the next 90 days until the election will prove interesting. I was a late adolescent person at the time of Watergate, but it is interesting that even former President Trump compared Monday to that event. Certainly, Monday’s FBI actions are no small event. The consequences are multi-faceted and it will be interesting if both our elected politicians and/or the public will allow process to occur. I doubt it as Minority Leader of the House McCarthy has already fired metaphorical shots across the bow of the sailing DOJ’s ship. I am quite sure the spin on either side will happen. I am reminded of a sign I saw in Cape Charles last week. It read: OMG -GOP-WTF. I do not believe the majority of the Republican Party follows lock-step with our former President, but I do believe that the majority of the GOP is about anyone-but-a-Democrat. I also must note that many Democrats believe the Republican Party is Trump before anyone on the left. What all of this means is simple: both parties are dysfunctional. The consequence is not good. Perhaps the most unfortunate thing is it keeps the former President in the news, which is what he needs. Enough on that, but that is where I am on the large events, or at least one of them.
Small events, at least on the national or global stage, have little consequence for the immediate as they are singular in their kairotic effect. I experienced such an event over this past 24 hours. Though comparison and face-to-face experience, I was able to see how different individuals can be. Furthermore, it was helpful to compare units and backgrounds. Certainly my choices had more consequence than I expected. Another learning lesson and facing the reality of how in a big picture we are all cogs in a larger process has been clearly illustrated. What I have learned is even though meetings occurred because of the same chances and decisions, those met are individuals, and we need to allow them to be so. The more important thing, which is something I have reminded some of, we are products of our surroundings, of those who raise us. It has taken me hard work to see the good in some of my own background, but I have been able to do so. The clear reality of those influences have hit me in the face this summer. It has been yet another important lesson. As is always the case, there is both positive and negative in the experience, but what we do with all of it is a personal choice. I think more importantly I am reminded of the importance of agency. We have power in every situation. The question is if we know the best way to manage it?
As I think about my life in the academy, there is a great deal of overlap. We too often allow external factors to control not only what we do, but also control our attitudes and emotions. Various constituencies believe they understand both the external needs and the internal processes, legislating changes or mandating actions that have little or no pedagogical practicality. And yet things move forward, and the train picks up speed with little in its way to slow it down. As I have noted in the past, the reality that education is a business endeavor, like most anything else in our free enterprise system, is not lost on me, but neither is the foundational purpose of the academy, which is to teach both the liberal arts (to be a global citizen) and vocational (in Luther’s sense of vocation) understanding, to foster critical thinking skills, to develop analytical capabilities, and to thoroughly prepare students to go into the world to actually make a difference. During the past week I have observed students who arrive early to their semester. What is readily apparent is how unprepared more and more students are to enter the academy. This does not mean they are bad people, but it begs the question of why high school graduates seem more and more incapable of managing basic introductory courses? While the reasons are complex, there are two simple reasons that come to mind: standardized testing and less rigor in high school academics. Behind these points are a myriad of issues, but the small changes turned into larger issues and the issues have created a systemic and profound problem, one with generational consequences. I have former students, ones who made me proud to say they graduated from Bloomsburg University. They have left the teaching profession in disillusionment. That is a devastating thing, not only for them, but for the multitude of students who will miss out on their passion and ability, but a passion extinguished. I know of other amazing teachers who have struggled mightily with what they face daily in their classrooms. I find myself asking again and again, what happened to the best and the brightest going into the classroom? Our current systemic issues have, too often, pushed the best and brightest away because what they will face cannot be justified either by what they will experience, how they will be supported, or what they are paid for their struggles.
The misperception about what it requires to be in a classroom, to offer strong, pedagogically-sound instruction takes more than knowledge. It demands the understanding of students’ abilities and how students are varied in both their ability and learning styles within the same classroom, even in the same row. How can one individual instruction and manage the overall needs of a class at the same time? Even when I have taught a class multiple times, there is more than a few hours a preparation. Likewise, teaching the same material year in and year out become monotonous. Point is I put a lot into a course before it ever begins. I have people ask why I am willing to go to such effort. It is what I believe I owe my students. It is my own expectations to do the best I can..
All of this returns to me to the focusing title. It is all the small things that have much larger consequences when they are accumulated. The lack of critical thinking and careful analysis of a situation leads too often to shallow-thinking-knee- jerk responses. Extreme response by anyone over-simplifies an issue or currently seems to lead to a self-aggrandized belief that one is more intelligent than anyone else. One is more well-intentioned, one is more in tune with the altruistic hopes or needs of the world. In reality, all fall short and the consequence is a country on the edge of catastrophic drought, shorelines that will be swallowed up by rising water, a world where demagoguery and a thirst for power, for a bygone world, creates global instability. Where suspicion overrides cooperation and millions of people die needlessly from the next germ that enters our fragile world-wide community. Where in our communities violence, rage, and hate snuff out another life or twenty because there is so little help for those who struggle with a host of maladies or addictions. If I sound a bit cynical, please know, I am not, but I am hurting as I read about a person who had died before our semester has even begun, or when someone is unstable enough to go around a block so he can run his car into a group of people, who are already grieving, and then after hitting his mother with a car, finishes murdering her with a hammer. These tragedies occurred not somewhere else, but in our little group of towns. It can happen here, or somewhere, or anywhere. The how and why are not really answerable. It is our reality. It is who we have become.
I do believe it is founded in our lack of care and love for the other; it is in our individual failings to consider the other before ourselves. It is a lack of willingness to see ourselves as community. There is so much more we are called to do. Can we see our lives vocationally? What does that mean? Simply stated: can we see our lives as most faithfully lived when we see all we do as service to the other? That is where it all begins. As I begin another year, I hope I can both convince and support my students to be the best versions of themselves, by doing the same in front of them. It is imperative that we begin with small, but potent choices, and practice a life of charity, of providing for, or giving to the other. It is those little things that can revise our current path.
It is continually astounding that I never seem to get everything done I hope to do, be it a year, a semester, a month, week or day. I planned to complete this before the semester began and we are a week in. Currently it is a Monday morning and before 7:30 a.m., and I am sitting in the parking lot of my dentist’s office. I thought my appointment was at 7:00, but better early than to miss it. It is cloudy and humid, and another 90 degree day is in store. As I started this post, former-President Trump’s residence was searched by the FBI. Since then, details, issues both large and small have come to light. More cannot be revealed. What seems apparent is the former-President will do what he does because he can. Little deters him from whatever action or behavior he feels at the moment. Consequence, at least for others, is not generally on his radar. I am not trying to take a political position in this description, but rather to lay out the idea of action taken and consequence experienced. While I am not a particularly powerful person, actions taken, which seem unimportant or only self-consequential seldom are. How I feel, my ability to think and manage after 160 students this semester. In other words, I do not live in an impenetrable bubble, affecting no one. What astounds me, even though I believe I have some political astuteness, is the far reaching power of the Office of the President, and the extended consequence even after someone is in office. It is disconcerting to me as a 60-something that I never considered the long-term repercussions, the profound significance as carefully as I do now. Perhaps that really is wisdom setting in.
As always, thank you for reading,
Dr. Martin
thewritingprofessor55 
Dear Dr. Martin,
I believe that another plausible reason for students being unprepared for college and incapable of managing basic introductory courses is the “Everyone gets a participation trophy” mentality they were taught from a young age. Why should the student work hard and expand his efforts when they get a trophy anyway? By the trophy, I mean a passing grade. What leverage is there if the teacher cannot fail the student and keep them behind? What are the consequences for a low performer when they are advanced anyway?
I grew up in Eastern Europe; my mother was a middle school math teacher. She used to work in the Summer to teach students who failed math class. At the end of the Summer, the student had to pass an exam to advance to the next level. If they didn’t pass, they were held back. It made students think twice about not doing their best in class. Who wanted to go to school in the Summer and leave their friends?
It only made sense that I thought this was the case in America. I learned otherwise when my oldest son, who was very bright, refused to hand in his homework and was in danger of failing the grade. I asked the teacher to fail him and hold him back. I knew he didn’t want to be in class with children younger than himself, which would be a great motivator. I was informed that this was no longer an option where I lived. Everyone would advance to the next level, and once the 12th grade was reached, “special classes and teachers” helped the students make up for what they missed. Students still graduated on time, with no consequences for bad performance.
This approach frustrates me beyond belief. How are we preparing our children for real life if they are not allowed to fail? What is going to happen when the first failure comes their way? Will they draw from what they have learned and work even harder to overcome their obstacles, or will they fall apart, not knowing what to do because everyone always comes to their rescue? I have met enough college students during my studies in 2020 -2022 to understand that majority feel stressed and overwhelmed. Maybe it’s time to do something different: give the trophy to the one whose performance is the best and let the rest deal with it.
Helena
Dear Dr. Martin,
I agree that it is important for one to keep an open mind, no matter what political party they align themselves with. I believe this extends beyond politics as well; it is for this reason that I attempt to avoid any labels. I believe everything and everyone a person interacts with influences them in some way, so that not every person sees things in the same way. We must simply understand how certain things are connected, and how they can be used to improve the world or ourselves.
Ellie Lange
Dear Dr. Martin,
First and foremost, I wanted to thank you for writing this blog post as I found it a very interesting read. When it comes to the overall message of small actions having large consequences I agree with you. For example, when we do something morally wrong like shoplifting from a store I think that has an adverse effect on our character. The more we are able to justify immoral actions for our own self-interests the more we change as individuals and our moral framework deteriorates. The end result being we become a worse human being. To get more into the specifics of the blog, there are certain parts I wanted to express my opinion on. First, I agree as we age time begins to fly by. Last year, I didn’t go to college and spent the time working. That gap year showed me that when I’m just going through the motions of life and have no direct goal like a degree, life begins to accelerate and everyday feels more like a chore. Second, the topic of Trump and his raid. I think bringing this example back to the overall theme of the piece I would agree with your analysis. It does seem like if Trump is charged that could be a catalyst or lightning rod to rallying people to his side and divide our country further than it already has been. However, I do think both parties are to blame for this, as it seems like today it is so hard for anyone of the opposite side to sit down and have resonable discourse on their beliefs with the end goal of reaching a tenible comprimise. As a result, I am worried for this country’s moral and cultural direction to come. The last thing I wanted to touch on was your notion that it seems like people nowadays have a lack of love for each other. This I fundamentally disagree with. It seems like to me that a lot of the time people start to align themselves with certain groups or their ideologies so they can morally grandstand to others. I think this is an issue but is not representative of most people in our country. Overall, I believe most people are good people that want to do the right thing for others and their family. I think in a lot of circumstances strangers will go out of their way to help others as they desire to make the world a better place. Maybe I am projecting what I want it to be but I know this is what I would do for others and I feel they would reciprove most of the time. Otherwise, I really enjoyed your blog Dr. Martin, as it made me think and had an overarching theme which I agree with.
Dr. Martin,
When it comes to the general idea of this blog post, which is small actions have large consequences, I completely agree. You mention in your blog that when we make our choices, they have more consequences than what is expected. Whether they be positive or negative, all of our actions have a demanding response. It almost reminds me heavily of the butterfly effect. One small decision may lead and branch off into countless different outcomes that we cannot predict. No matter what, you must think before you act.
Going off your topic about education, from personal experience, I think the reason why students are unprepared for college when it comes to basic courses is that most students think that they can cheese their way through these courses. They see “101” labeled courses or “Intro” in the title and automatically think it’ll be a cakewalk when it most likely isn’t the case. While they are easier courses, they still are not something that you can ignore and push to the side. You must still manage it like any other course. most students learn this, like me, when they receive their first grade and realize that it will require work.
You also mention that people lack care for others, and focus on themselves too much. I agree with this to a certain degree. While I do heavily agree that considering and loving other people and making sure they are fine is extremely important, you as yourself must be in a good spot to do that. What I mean is that if you, yourself, are not in a mentally good spot or lack self-love, how can you radiate care toward other people? Self-love in my opinion is more important and comes first before other people.
Matthew Laraia
Hi Dr. Martin! I again found this post to be very interesting. The one part that stuck out to me the most is that you mention people have no care for others. This resonated with me tremendously. Growing up I did not have much experience with being cared for witnessing healthy relationships. I feel that this made me presume all people felt this way and there was no reason to care for others. As I got older I realized how amazing it is to truly care for another human being. I now know that the people you surround yourself with are so important and it can affect your entire life. This whole blog was very insightful and I look forward to reading more!
Dr. Martin,
I really enjoyed reading this blog post. Lately I have been thinking about the bigger picture of life. Part of this includes people we have met and things that have happened. Even the little things can have a huge impact on our lives that we may not realize right away, or maybe not at all. One quote from your blog specifically stood out to me, “we are the products of our surroundings.” This stood out to me in particular because it is something I always knew but never fully realized and understood what it meant. For example, if I grew up in a different family, my life would be completely different. That is so interesting to think about, but also leads me down a rabbit hole into deep thinking that has no right or wrong answer.
I believe that I do not know how to manage my power in every situation. Looking back at curtain interactions, I can see how I could have handled it differently, or how I should not have let people treat me the way that they did. I also allow these interactions to control my attitudes and emotions. I tend to look back and analyze those situations, and it brings my self esteem down.
I was blessed to be able to take Bloomsburg University courses during my senior year of high school. I know this was the transition between my private high school and college. I was able to manage my courses, however, I saw multiple peers who were not able to. Currently, I am a H.O.W.L. on campus. There are students I interact with that are not prepared for the college workload. All of the work that you put into your courses for your students does not go unnoticed, and you are greatly appreciated. I cannot wait to read more of your blog posts. They challenge me into thinking about what is important in life.
Vanessa Brouse
Dr. Martin,
I really enjoyed reading this blog post. Lately I have been thinking about the bigger picture of life. Part of this includes people we have met and things that have happened. Even the little things can have a huge impact on our lives that we may not realize right away, or maybe not at all. One quote from your blog specifically stood out to me, “we are the products of our surroundings.” This stood out to me in particular because it is something I always knew but never fully realized and understood what it meant. For example, if I grew up in a different family, my life would be completely different. That is so interesting to think about, but also leads me down a rabbit hole into deep thinking that has no right or wrong answer.
I believe that I do not know how to manage my power in every situation. Looking back at curtain interactions, I can see how I could have handled it differently, or how I should not have let people treat me the way that they did. I also allow these interactions to control my attitudes and emotions. I tend to look back and analyze those situations, and it brings my self esteem down.
I was blessed to be able to take Bloomsburg University courses during my senior year of high school. I know this was the transition between my private high school and college. I was able to manage my courses, however, I saw multiple peers who were not able to. Currently, I am a H.O.W.L. on campus. There are students I interact with that are not prepared for the college workload. All of the work that you put into your courses for your students does not go unnoticed, and you are greatly appreciated. I cannot wait to read more of your blog posts. They challenge me into thinking about what is important in life.
Vanessa Brouse
Dr. Martin,
This was an interesting post because it’s considering the consequences of a myriad of issues. I believe this post is targeted at persons old enough to make decisions devoid of outside influences (i.e a high school senior and older). I came to this conclusion by considering the inclusion of the political implications of Trump’s residence being raided. When it comes to politics, many factors will influence what ideals you have and what party you align with, but it should be a choice you make for yourself. The purpose of this blog I believe is to consider the consequences of actions no matter how small the ordeal seems to be. Everything has consequences in the world.
Dr. Martin,
I can really appreciate your worldview as you described it. You think intellectually but stay away from a cynical mindset. I feel like this distinction gets lost sometimes when most people start thinking about the problems we endure in this world. I believe it is important to think about them as such, the problems are simply problems. Anything can happen and everything can be fixed. Many cynical people tend to hate unconditionally which, in my opinion, makes them just as bad as the problems they criticize. Just because some rich people are bad doesn’t mean that all of them are corrupt. Although the FBI raid on Trump proves some degree of guiltiness, it doesn’t mean that every affluent household now needs targets on their backs. Over simplifying issues and stereotyping people are two major downfalls of the cynic mindset. Once your thoughts erode down to pure hatred you lose all rights to being called an intellectual thinker. It is a harsh reality of thought but it’s not permanent. To me it seems more like an error in thinking or simply another struggle one may face. I like to think of myself as a smart person, but I wouldn’t dare to believe I am completely impartial or absolutely correct all the time. The one thing I like to remember is that lapses in intellectual thought is, in its simplest form, a problem and they can be fixed. Once again, I would like to express how I can relate to your world view in this blog post and I’m glad to hear that you can apply this to your teaching.