Memento Mori

 "It is not death that a man should fear, but rather he should fear never beginning to live." Marcus Aurelius

When I taught sixth grade, I was in an elementary school setting, but my team departmentalized to prepare our kids for middle school. I had the privilege of teaching social studies! Learning came to life when I taught the kids about the ancient Greeks and Romans using a class simulation. I was introduced to the word Areté, loosely translated, means excellence. That was my introduction to the ancient Stoic philosophers, and I've been intrigued ever since. (Although I will be the first to admit that I haven't been the best role model for living the principles of the ancient Stoics.)

Memento Mori, a powerful Latin phrase meaning "remember that you must die," is an urgent call to live with purpose and intention. It's an invitation to embrace the responsibility of living meaningfully. The idea that life is short and that you're going to die is only depressing if you think about it wrong. It should give you a sense of priority if you think about it correctly. It should give you a sense of purpose and what you're trying to accomplish while on Earth.

For educators, Memento Mori takes on a compelling significance. Influential educators have the power to ignite passion in the hearts and minds of students, shape values, and inspire generations far beyond their lifetimes. We are in the life-changing business! Memento Mori doesn't provoke fear but empowers individuals to focus on what truly matters. Educators infused with this awareness prioritize transformative educational experiences that evoke curiosity. The urgency to nurture and invest in young minds becomes vital. Getting caught up in routines and menial concerns can be all too easy in the daily hustle of teaching. However, Memento Mori encourages educators to reflect on their allocation of time and energy, pressing them to connect with students on a deeper level. Every interaction can be an opportunity for encouragement and inspiration, crafting a legacy that shapes the fabric of future generations.

Grappling with the inevitability of death, as the ancient Stoics did, fosters gratitude and resilience. When we understand that life is precious, we are more inclined to seize the day and appreciate the opportunity for growth and discovery. Instead of being overwhelmed by challenges, we can navigate through adversity with a growth mindset. The ancient Stoics- Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius- offered timeless wisdom that resonates deeply with educators today. By modeling perseverance, teachers do not just prepare students for academic success; they equip them with essential life skills that will support them throughout their journeys.

The legacy that educators leave is not confined to the subjects they teach; it is ultimately defined by the values they inspire in their students. Marcus Aurelius urges us, "Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one." This powerful statement challenges educators: Instead of merely instructing on ideal behaviors, they must embody the qualities they seek to instill—integrity, kindness, and an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Students are keen observers, and through their teachers' examples, they learn invaluable life lessons that transcend the academic realm.

Embrace Digital Transformation

 Back in 2010, I found that school (my instruction) was becoming increasingly irrelevant to my students who were beginning to come to my classroom with more tech-saviness. Something had to change, and that change was me. In my quest, I stumbled upon an article from Edutopia that mentioned Edmodo. The rest, as they say, is history. Although Edmodo no longer exists, it completely changed my life as an educator. It was often referred to as the “Facebook” for students and educators. I was able to connect my class with students and teachers around the world, and we collaborated on many projects. I have many stories and experiences that I could share. One door that opened for me as a teacher was connecting with other educators and going down the rabbit hole of digital tools to use in the classroom. Although I’d never considered myself particularly tech-savvy, I certainly learned a lot that transformed my teaching practices. 

Luckily for me, those years of integrating digital tools into the curriculum paid off when educators were forced to pivot overnight to a Zoom classroom during the Covid pandemic. As an instructional coach, I wasn’t caught flat-footed and unprepared. I was able to help our teachers adapt and learn quickly how to navigate this new frontier. It was a double blessing that before the pandemic, I had been assisting teachers in elevating their instruction by learning some digital tools to solve real-world classroom challenges. Many were used to and had trained their students to use online platforms to create, complete, and submit their work. Students were used to creating videos, audio recordings, and slides. During the shutdown, learning kept happening. We had to adapt and make adjustments, but we learned together.

Keeping up-to-date on all the digital tools available to educators is daunting and maybe impossible. I have learned over the years that tools come and go. They change constantly, so keeping track of the upgrades is challenging. And many tools that start off free quickly have a price after becoming popular. The development of AI is an interesting phenomenon in education. Considering that AI technology is in its infancy, the benefits to educators most likely haven’t even been fully imagined yet. However, it is essential for educators, newbies, and veterans to keep learning about this and other technologies. 

Learning is about being intentional and growing each day. Small, baby steps forward are still steps forward. Learning is a journey, not a destination. Those tiny bits of learning compound over time. The commitment you make to yourself to invest your time and energy into learning will pay off. The wisdom that you acquire stays with you forever. 

Don’t allow yourself to make excuses. Technology doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Learn one thing and learn it well. Use it in the classroom. Ask, “How can I use this tool to make learning more impactful?” Be curious! Explore how you can make learning more relevant. What can you do with a digital tool that you cannot do in a traditional brick-and-mortar classroom? Be creative! Collaborate- especially with students. As you gain confidence, expand your repertoire.

Potholes in Your Path

Potholes are a common road hazard, and their formation can be attributed to several factors related to weather conditions, materials, and road maintenance. We also encounter potholes in our journey through life. These seeming setbacks can lead us to question our value and worth. We often seek validation from others through praise, titles, positions, and other accolades. But you shouldn't seek out the praise of others to determine your worth. Everything changes when you realize you are enough, just as you are. You start living in confidence. People who have strong self-worth don't need constant reassurance. They understand that not everyone will see their value, and that's okay. They don't take rejection personally. 

Rejection can be the most painful experience a person can endure. It can feel like the door is slammed in your face. Some people face this adversity by quitting, while others stay in unhealthy situations, hoping to improve and earn the right to love and acceptance. Some give up on their dreams, stay stuck in the past, and lose their desire to take risks. Instead of building resilience, they fail to dig deeper, reassess, and ask better questions.      Rejection can cause people to quit themselves and spiral into depression and an existence void of hope and optimism.

But you're not a quitter! You must love yourself to look in the mirror and say, "I am enough!" Stand tall in your truth and believe what you say, even when others doubt your abilities. History is filled with examples of successful people who were repeatedly rejected. However, these successful people became successful because they believed in themselves. For them, each "no" was not a conclusion but rather a stepping stone that guided them toward better opportunities. 

Instead of viewing rejection as a personal attack on your self-worth, view rejection as a redirection. It's life's way of pushing you towards something better, something that aligns with your purpose and is meant for you in ways you may not understand. Do not take it personally, believing you're not worthy, and allow that disappointment to replay and ruminate in your mind.

Rejection is not about loss. It's about guidance. It's a sign that the path that you were on is not the one for you to follow. It's a lesson that what you thought was best for you may not have been in your best interest. Shift your perspective. See the potholes and the challenges throughout our journey as blessings in disguise. Every door that closes is a protection from something not meant for you. It's life clearing the way and making space for something greater. What is truly yours will come to you. Be prepared for the opportunity.