What are you afraid of?

I read Laura Coughlin’s post “I Want to Teach Out on a Limb” the other day, and it definitely got me thinking about my fears.

I think my biggest fear is failure. I am afraid to fail. Because of this, I sometimes don’t take the chances and risks I could (or should). There is that little voice in my head that tells me if I don’t try something big, I don’t have to worry about failing.

And yet, I expect my students to try new things, jump off the ledge, and go for it – even if they do fail. Because I know, logically, that you can learn more from failure than success. I also know that when I take a leap, my friends will be there to be pick me up if I fall, or to help me soar if I succeed.
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How can I ask my students to take risks if I don’t?

I’ve been slowly learning this lesson. The first time I applied for Honeywell’s Space Academy for Educators,  I did not get in to the program. I was sad and wondered how a complete space geek like me could not get in. However, I didn’t let failure hold me back, and the next time I applied, I was accepted. I then applied for advanced academy my first year out, and I did not expect to get in, but I did!

Next my Team Kennedy inspirations shared information about the NASA Summer of Innovation mini grants, so I decided to apply. I knew I had nothing to lose if I “failed” and much to gain for my students if I succeeded. Yesterday, I found out that I had been awarded the grant!

I am not so afraid of failing now. I have had a few experiences of trying for things and not making it. It still takes a leap, though. I am reminded of the quote we saw at a presentation while at KSC: Dare Mighty Things. So, what will I dare to try next? I have decided to apply for the Google Teacher Academy New York. I am pretty sure it’s a long shot, but I won’t have any chance at all if I don’t at least try.

So, what are you afraid of?
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Thank you to Krissy Venosdale for the awesome images!

By Janelle

Space geek, science nerd extraordinaire. That's me! Want to know more, visit the About page.

4 comments

  1. I’m so glad my post inspired you to write! A writing teacher’s dream 🙂

    I have been meaning to post about my biggest fear – wasting time – but I’ve been swamped with master’s coursework. You have inspired to to get on it!!

    Thanks
    Laura

    1. Thanks for sharing (and tweeting the post), and I look forward to your next post. I often have trouble with wasting time, too. However for me, it’s more at home and in “free” time than with my students in class.

  2. Who cares if it’s a long shot?! Think of all the people who DO think that and, consequently, DON’T apply! It’s a good lesson for all of us to learn. Thanks for the post, and GO GET ‘EM! Keep it up!
    Sincerely,
    -@JoyKirr

    1. Thanks, Joy! That’s definitely the type of thought I’ve allowed to cripple me in the past – but not this time! The application process itself will be good experience.

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