I just reading “The Last Lecture” by Randy Pausch. In this book, it mostly about how Randy live his life, his approaches to solve problem, his view, his adventure and his mentors. He shared to the audience, us, how he learned a lot from his football coach, how he met his wife and most of all, how he embrace death.
On one of his chapters, he talk about his university life. How he deals with his students which reminds me of my own experience.
My first job, after my graduation, was a lecturer in a private university in my hometown. Well, it was my university before; a place where I spent my four years and a place where I experienced a lot of things.
Honestly speaking, I didn’t really know that I want to become a lecturer. I asked around for opinions, from with my parents, my friends and my mentors. What I have in mind after graduation is I want to to abroad to have different exposure. I lived 20 over years in my hometown, but I just want to experience something different.
My mentors told me that lecturers may have more chances for it, that I may apply for scholarship to study abroad.
My friends shared different point of view. They thought, maybe, it suits me. They felt that I can teach well. Usually during exam period, we were studying together for our exams. We were helping each other by revising the whole semester subjects so that each of us have better understanding on the subjects. I didn’t do really well in some of my programing classes but I had a friend who can explain better to me. On the other hand, I can simplify some boring theory subjects by like pointing out what are the main point, chapter by chapter.
In the end, the ball was on my court. My parents advised me and reminded me that whatever I decided to do, do not stop halfway, ride it to the finish line. They always think that I’m big and sensible enough to know what I want and make decision about my own life.
That’s how I became lecturer.
One main point I like to become a lecturer is I can help people. To solve their problem, to think differently, or to find their dream. I also like to share my own experiences. Well, maybe for them, oh ho, here we go again the history.. (hope not) :p I just want them to know that, whatever happened you can make something out of it. That’s how I embrace my problems, most of the time.
Talking about my students, they always gave me surprises. They were bunch of curious kids who bombed you with lots of questions honestly. But, I’m proud to be some part in their life, though that maybe only small and insignificant bits. They made me learn how to find solutions in more creative way.
In the end, they made me a student and they were the teacher. They made me learn many things like how to solve problems creatively or simply asking silly asking question back is all I need to do. I was grateful to have that experience. Every time I learned something new, I always think that I can share this to my student later. Although, I’m not a lecturer anymore now, but I still have the mindset to share the good things in life.
But, most of all my student I ever teach, I have the very first student who always know what I’m going to share. It is me.
