Everyone Has To Start Somewhere

While eating lunch waiting until my last presentation of the day at our state music conference, I overheard a group of music education students laughing at the idea of a Twitter Party session. Coincidentally, that Twitter Party happened to be my presentation. They thought the ideas of having to even learn how to use Twitter and then use it professionally were ridiculous. I admit I was tempted to go over and correct them, but I refrained from doing so.

I had to remind myself that everyone has to start somewhere. It can be easy to laugh at someone or be frustrated with them when they're not in the same place as you. However, that's not the way to help them grow or bring them over to your side.

8th Year Me would be so annoyed upon encountering 1st Year Me. My grading practices were inflexible and punitive. I used little to no technology. My students had minimal say in musical choices or rehearsal options.

But I've learned and grown and discovered that I will always be learning and growing and probably laughing at younger versions of myself. The combination of experience, Twitter, and the occasional well-deserved servings of Teacher Humble Pie have made me a better educator. Those students laughing at the mere idea of my presentation have had little of any of those things.

Without a stepping off point, none of us would be where we are now. Being smug, frustrated, or annoyed will not get anyone anywhere. So when sharing a new idea or when someone is sharing something different with you, approach with an open mind and choose kindness first.