So, our class was supplied with 6 pages (yes, 6 pages) of quotes about education and learning. We were asked to choose a couple of them and discuss how they related to our experience as we pursued our desire to become speech-language pathologists. I am an avid collector of quotes, so this assignment was a welcome breath of fresh air. Words are very powerful. If I may, they are one of the most amazing human creations (besides the dog!). They can inspire us, move us to action, and reduce us to tears of happiness or grief. Another interesting thing about words is their ability to affect each of us differently depending on our own life experiences, temperaments, and stage of life. Words that have a profound impact on me may have little meaning to you, but that in no way negates their power.
"A mind is a fire to be kindled, not a vessel to be filled."
~ Plutarch, unknown, unknown
This is a quote with which I was familiar, and I have repeated it often. I first encountered it during a time in my life when I worked as a wildland firefighter. I pondered it often, especially while watching a wildfire burn. As long as there is fuel, oxygen, and a source of heat, the fire will continue indefinitely. Take one of those away, any one, and the fire goes out. The mind is limitless in its capacity to learn. As long as there is something to learn (fuel), an opportunity to learn (oxygen), and the desire to learn (heat), learning can continue indefinitely. Take one away, and learning ceases. Saying the mind is a vessel to be filled suggests that the mind's capacity is finite, like a pitcher whose overflow spills uselessly on the ground. The field of speech-language pathology is also a fire to be kindled, and there are so many things yet to be learned, opportunities to learn them, and many dedicated students and professionals with the desire to learn them. As I write this, I realize how much this quote relates to my own pursuit of this profession. My mind is a fire, and this field definitely provides the necessary elements to keep it burning.
"Each path is only one of a million paths. Therefore, you must always keep in mind that a path is only a path. If you feel that you must not follow it, you need not stay with it under any circumstances. Any path is only a path. There is no affront to yourself or others in dropping it if that is what your heart tells you to do. But your decision to keep on the path or to leave it must be free of fear and ambition. I warn you: look at every path closely and deliberately. Try it as many times as you think necessary. Then ask yourself and yourself alone one question. It is this: does this path have a heart? All paths are the same. They lead nowhere. They are paths going through the brush or into the brush or under the brush. Does this path have a heart is the only question. If it does, then the path is good. If it doesn't, then it is of no use."
~ Carlos Castaneda, unknown, unknown
This quote was new to me and gave me much to ponder. There was one word that drew me to this quote and caused me to consider it. That word was "path". See what I mean about the power of words? That word may be completely innocuous to many, but it struck a chord with me. I have always been easily distracted and have often told people that I can be perfectly happy with the path I am traveling until something shiny catches my eye. Then, I abrubtly switch paths and continue my meanderings through life. In this quote, the author has affirmed that this is perfectly okay. Whew! I have traveled these paths as a happy explorer and not lingered on one any longer than necessary. The problem with this approach to life is that I found myself constantly starting over with no solid foundation of knowledge or skills. The field of speech-language pathology is riddled with paths that diverge, converge, overlap, and cross. By traveling these paths, I am satisfying my curiosity and thirst for knowledge while remaining in the confines of one discipline that allows me to build and grow. I never have to be "stuck" working in the same environment completing the same tasks day after day. There are a variety of settings in which to work, and every client presents a unique opportunity to learn something new. And the really great and amazing thing? None of these paths necessarily has an end! New discoveries are being made every day in the field as we learn more about how our minds and bodies work. New technologies are being developed to assist in evaluation and treatment. Wonderful minds are creating insightful new assessments and creative therapies.
In exploring this quote on "paths", I am led right back to my first quote. The multitude of paths that make up the field of speech-language pathology provide all of the necessary ingredients to kindle the fire of my mind, and as long as the paths keep expanding, the fire will never go out.
Happy Trails!
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