Professor Elam

Thursday August 25, 2011

I am asking the classes to read Emerson's essay on Self Reliance and make a discussion post about it. I also mention Steve Pressfield's The War of Art – he talks a good deal about our natural enemy, Resistance. 

One student has already asked, what do we write about how long. Well I have not one but two blogs. How many posts have I made on the two of them just today. What was the length?  Why what did I have to say, why were the articles important that I hyperlinked?

Only writing and public speaking, well make that effective public speaking, cause one to engage in thoughtful self reflection. Knowing that someone else will be reading what you wrote should cause one to reflect on the importance of the comment. 

The Self Reliance Assignment is  I think a great assignment for our incoming college students. Why are you here, what do you want to accomplish, what new skills will you take with you? How about your awareness quotient?  What will you do to make you more aware of the professional world that you want to enter?

Only you can change yourself. We can cajole yo all we want, complain, praise, nudge, suggest, stimulate, and perhaps pour coffee down you and cold water on you, but only you can make a difference in you. 

So, let's get started….