Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Virginia Tech Tragedy

It's hard to get away from the events on the campus of Virginia Tech for even one moment. As I sit watching the news again this evening I have become increasingly aware of one thing in my life - if I am going to teach then I need to be passionate about my commitment to the profession as well as the students I will someday teach. At least three professors lost their lives in the horrible events at Virginia Tech yesterday. One was 76 years old and had taught there for 20 years - that means he started his career at this school at about the same point in his life as I will be in mine when I begin my career.

Hopefully none of us will ever be called upon to give our lives in the course of our teaching profession, but maybe it's a good idea to take stock and ask ourselves if we love what we are doing enough to put our lives on the line. I hope I never face what these professors and these students have faced, but if I do I hope I will be that professor blocking the door so my students can escape out the window to safety. What an enormous love and commitment to the students sitting in your class every single day.

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