And so the NDP journey came to an end... It has been an amazing journey, one that I reflected more than ever. And it has really been a heartfelt journey. As you look at the heart above, with the interlinking hands, the red ball... it symbolises so much for me.
The unity of the Primers through linked hands.
The formation of one heart.
The red ball.. its' light isn't very obvious, it isn't as bright as an LED light. But it symbolises hope. It symbolises faith. A dim light attempting to shine despite not being bright. The belief that it can be seen and it can make a difference.
That pretty much sums up the youth of today, to a certain extent? Even as I'm sitting in lecture now, and we're talking about multi-literacies and multi-modality, it makes me think. Yes, our students evolve, yes, our students are now in a different league than we used to be.
But they still crave community. They need people to interact with, even if it may be online, but there is still the need for social acceptance and integration.
Many people who are online, also speak of united directions; the same passion, the same views. They wouldn't want to be with someone who doesn't share the same drive as they do. The same desire to succeed in the power struggles of Maple Story or Legion.
And above all else.. there is the hope and faith. The hope that they can make their mark in the world, the tiny faith that they have that they can make a difference; be somebody.
And I think that it's important that we remember what the Lord said in 1 Timothy:
"12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity."
So from this, I wonder.. what is our role then? As teachers, leaders, adults; the ones that the children and youth look at to learn, follow, develop and grow from. Or even. To be like them. What should we do, and how should we live?
Things such as teachers who have 2 different facebook accounts, or adults to air their views wherever and whenever, and even, adults who do things such as blaspheme and comment without justification on issues.. what are we teaching our children?
I'm not too sure how best to approach them, but there are many expectations that are being placed on teachers. Indeed, as my lecturer just said, even what she says is loaded with meaning and intentions... what are the intentions we drive across with our words and actions? As teachers, do we conform, innovate, break out or facilitate? So many questions, so little answers.
I guess in the end, we decide and we choose how best to go about. Which role works best, which approach is best... such thoughts have flooded my mind very often these days... And even as my lecturer jsut vacated the microphone to go around to the class to solicit opinions, I see how boundaries are broken and norms are challenged.
It's an interesting journey of reflection. =)