Is college too easy, students too lazy, or are they really just better multi-takers now?

laughingsquid:

Star Wars Yoga by Rob Osborne

Hilarious!

Taken with instagram

So from December 20 January 2, 2012, I vowed to stay off of all social media to learn how important it was to me and how much time I spent/wasted on it. After 2 days I had already figured out the lessons to be learned and felt like I could return to social media immediately. However, I decided to keep to some of my commitment and stay offline for 7 days. Essentially, there are a number of reasons I went offline in the first place.

First, I felt I had become too dependent on social media. It was becoming my source for news and updates on the world.

Second, i was just on it too much. It became what I did to pass the time. Instead of reading or writing for my dissertation, sleeping, doing work, email, etc., I was on social media. I would stay up an extra hour just to comment, like, or retweet any number of messages for no real purpose.

Third, who I am was getting wrapped up in my online identity. “GWTimMiller” became who I was instead of just Tim Miller.

This brings me to the biggest problems with social media from my perspective. It’s funny how social media gives us a new way to project ourselves. We can be the best of ourselves without anyone knowing what is and isn’t true. It’s also one of the many problems with online dating sites.

The other thing about social media that is a struggle for me is how privacy no longer exists. People are putting too much of themselves online anymore.

Also, people’s self-esteem and self-worth is wrapped too tightly to their online presence. Who retweeted who, who replied to what, and who likes what is now more important than actually knowing anyone on a personal level.

So, my return to social media comes with a few lessons learned. First, I have to manage when and how I use social media. Similar to email usage, I can’t allow these tools to dominate my life. I need to manage my time online, not allow a need to be present online drive my presence.

Second, it should be an augmentation to my presence and identity, not a crutch. I have to use it as an extension of my reach to friends, family, and students, not the only way to reach them.

Third, social media is where life happens today. In the few days I was offline there were a number of important things that happened in my world that I missed. My best friend and Jamie’s cousin both had kids on my birthday and I missed being a part of that online. Few people call each other anymore and even email seems passé. Facebook is now as essential as phones and TV for many people.

Fourth, my social media blackout lacked an understanding of the world today. My students live in this world and to leave it means that I won’t be able to connect with them. I have solved more problems for GW students through Twitter than almost any other medium this past year. This is where students put their problems, concerns, and complaints.

Fifth and finally, social media isn’t inherently bad. It is both our present, past, and future. Facebook has connected us in ways nothing else has since mail, phone, telegrams, email, and other incredible advances in history. I am amazed at how many people I have reconnected with since the creation of Facebook and also amazed at how fast things move nowadays with Twitter. This is our world now and we can figure out how to adapt and be successful within it or we can bury our heads in the sand. I plan to make social media work for me and look forward to what comes after twitter and the changes it will make in all of our lives.

Life is about moderation and pacing yourself in order to enjoy what you have. There are few things in life that are bad if done in moderation and social media is no different. Technology is a tool and should be used as such. I am glad for the last few days offline and say happy birthday to Colin and Huck and welcome back to the USA Nicole, and Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

So, I had my best 10 miler ever yesterday. I did my first 5 miles in under a 10 minute/mile pace but slowed down a bit from there. Still, I made several changes on race day that helped. First, I ate cereal 3 hours before the race and then used clif bloks . Awesome.

3/23/11

So I am kind of disappointed in my post from last night.  I have always been realistic, it’s kind of my motto (adjust the sails and all that) but I turned pessimistic last night in a moment of weakness.  I have always told people that I have unwavering hope even in the darkest of times but sometimes what I lack is faith.  Not necessarily a religious faith mind you but I lack the faith in people to do the right thing.  What I have realized is that I am okay with that because I have faith in me. 

I have to be true to myself (see Bill Shakespeare, smart guy actually) and I am a servant.  A servant to everyone around me whether they “deserve” my service or not it will be made available to them. I have faith that my service will make the lives of others better and hopefully, the world.  That is why it doesn’t matter if everyone values what I do because it comes from a good place and it is a pure service to others.  Leaders serve the coffee and the cake (Tapscott).

I didn’t get into this “field” because of the money, or the thank yous, or even the education.  I had no choice actually because this is my calling.  I was called to serve young people at this time in their lives.  My personal mission is to create opportunities for growth and learning for my students.  That’s who I am and that’s what I do.  I had a setback this week but it doesn’t really matter because whatever job I have and whatever title is on my door, I will continue to serve.  Whether it is helping a woman get her child into a grocery cart at the store tonight or staying up late to write references for students, I will continue to serve. 

For those that I have spoken to in a group in the past few years (Cab X, Cab 11, SLS 2010, Tabisa today) I have focused on the concept of defining moments.  Monday was a defining moment (See Joseph Badaracco, Defining Moments 1997) for me but it was not a moment that defined me.  I DEFINE ME.  However, I have an opportunity to take that moment and choose a path based on new options.  I have loved my time at GW and all of the hundreds or thousands (thanks Diaz) of students I have known in 9 years have all become a part of me. 

So, despite this moment that got me down for about 36 hours, I am back and rededicated, and reenergized to continue serving my students.  GW students.  Bring it on, whatever you need I will step up and do everything I can to make it better and to help every student be challenged, grow and learn.  HOPEfully they will go on to be servants of the world and instill hope in others along the way.  This is my own Pay It Forward and I have faith that I will continue to serve my calling. 

Damn, that felt good to write… Good night all

So, I understand why students complain about Gelman’s lack of space. It’s spring break and it was still hard to find a room to use.  Also, why are there big study rooms with signs that say no laptops, what is this, 1995?

I personally think it is a great library overall and don’t know why everyone complains about the building.  This is a library, not the Ritz.  You come here, you get books, do research, study, then go home.  This isn’t your second home, this is a place to study PERIOD.  I am in a great room on the 4th floor all to myself even though there are 6 chairs.  I think there need to be more one person rooms if possible but this is a great building. 

Anyway, this post was designed to help me procrastinate from my dissertation writing so it has accomplished its goal.  Break is over,  enjoy the week everyone…