Champions of One

The basis for this piece entitled: "Champions of One," is an assertion that hits very near to my own personal journey. It unfolds like this... I am pretty tired of feeling like I don't have an area of expertise. My personality is one that is too captivated by the idea of being okay at a number of things: athletics, intelligence, relationships, artistry. The ironic thing about this blog is that it flies in the face of my defense of the comprehensive childhood education. It does not contradict however, rather this blog really seeks to take the comprehensive outlook on the early childhood experience and allow it to foster a stronger sense of personal identity, hopefully leading to a more well-rounded perspective on one's ideal vocational lifestyle, including mine.

It appears to me that we are seeing a motivation in our culture for individuals to assert one or two specific talents or skills and to develop a lifestyle out of that. This could be the result of the financial meltdown that half of the world is experiencing. Or it could be because the newest generations in the working force are tiring of being blended into an enterprise at the expense of their true gifts. Some may disagree, but what I am seeing in our culture is a reassessment of how individuals can exit the antiquated rat race, and become more innovative. I know I am feeling this myself, as I have been making a living as a teacher and feeling the crunch to provide more for my family. So, what did I do? The juices started flowing, and through some significant efforts, I have nailed a part-time writing gig with an online network, am valeting to bring in some extra cash, and have begun the process of starting my counseling practice. I have seen a number of people reaching deeply into their capacities, fostering under-developed skills and talents, and subsequently have been led to a better understanding of their "calling."

I think this attitude of developing an area of expertise has far-reaching implications to the early childhood experience. Like I said previously, I am a huge advocate of the holistic education. This encompasses: spiritual development - leading into; physical, emotional, relational, and intellectual development. I believe that the most effective learning experience for a child is generated through a thorough and multi-faceted frame of reference. Addressing all of the aforementioned domains in a meaningful way precipitates further educational excellency. It is from this foundation, that I urge readers to help their children, or even themselves, find their niche.

I have applied this notion to raising my son, as I have already, at the age of 2, seen glimpses of what he is interested in, captivated by, and solicited more information about. I do not believe that I am getting ahead of myself with his idiosyncrasies, instead I believe that I am witnessing his unique nature unfolding piece by piece before my very eyes. And the more I pay attention to it, the more I can offer him guidance and support toward what he is truly called to do in his lifetime. I can obviously infect my own ideas into this, but if I am keeping an open mind as his interests surface, I can offer him the underpinnings with which he can eventually flourish. Children need an environment where they can learn to explore their own personal interests, rather than simply fulfilling the expectations of those around them. As they do explore, there is an unconscious construct of independent investigation that manifests, leaving the child to survey their own interests.

Myself, my son, and every other person I have ever come into contact with are not good at everything. We all have a unique skill set, sometimes similar, yet mostly singular (hopefully these skill sets are functioning for the betterment of the whole). The importance of an education starting at the earliest stage possible sets in motion an attitude within the child that their talents can have a special place in the grand orchestra of mankind. That they can contribute to the betterment of society through initiative and wisdom. As a child pursues their one (maybe two or three) areas of expertise, they can have the ultimate assurance that they are fulfilling their God-given purpose.