Passion, Motivation and Wisdom

Passion is an internal drive that propels you forward to continue, this can present itself in ways such as learning or creating, a want for change. Passion is when you simply cannot get enough of what is right in the present. Scholars, inventors and great movement leaders all have had a passion for what they were known for. My own passion and motivation in the early childhood field began at an early age. I knew I had a love for teaching and working with children, but it is the sacrifices I have made to gain experience in my career so that I can impact the lives of others that has caused me to keep going. When reading Edge Perspectives with John Hagel: Pursuing Passion, I noticed a reoccurring word in each paragraph, drive. However it was when he stated, “Passion is ultimately driven by intrinsic motives rather that extrinsic rewards” that it hit home.

I receive joy and fulfillment everyday that I open the eyes of bright young minds to new things and when you see how excited children are to come in their classroom. This excitement of learning at an early age is in its purest form, external forces do not yet jade it. I know the importance of what a high quality education is but also what a difference it makes in a child’s life to have a strong support system. My view was further inspired when watching the film The Passion for Early Childhood, one of the professionals, Rennata M.Cooper said that education was about civil rights and children were entitled to a “childhood that leaves you ready for optimum life experiences” and “gives you the tools you need to ask questions and investigate.”  The education I wish to provide will give a foundation in which children can scaffold.

When asked to consider the question “did you ever consider passion to be an essential part of professionalism?” my initial reactions was no. There are many professionals that do not have passion in their work they simply do and have knowledge. On a deeper level it is those who continue to have a passion for their work and who want to make a change or find ways in which they can reach others, that succeed which carries out, into other areas of their lives. I find that part of my own passion for teaching has caused me to make my profession a way of life and a part of who I am within my community, so for me it is an essential part.