Oct 26 2008
Amateurs, Just Amateurs?
I do not believe that anyone is really, wholly a professional in what they do if he or she are not, too, an amateur.
An amateur is a person who does what they does what they do for the love of it. The word was coined toward the end of the 18th century in France.
Remember, as well, that a profession, in the sense commonly used in our culture is only the third or fourth definition, attributed to the word. The first have to do with making vows, keeping vows, and communities where such things are done.
If being an educator is a professional, no teacher is truly a professional unless they are an amateur, too.
I think of what brings true joy to me in my life as a teacher and it is all about being fulfilled, not paid. When there are dry times, a check does not bring rain. When there is a peak experience for my students and me, it is not because of what I earned or the scholarly article I’ll be able to write about it.
How about you?
