Significant Career Lesson From A History Teacher At SAGE Magnet
The most significant lesson learned by the History Teacher and Adjunct Professor is the importance of self-awareness and personal growth for effective public service, stating that "if you haven't healed over your issues... you might not do a great job because you can't listen." This self-work enables availability and empathy when working with students and others experiencing difficult situations, leading to improved performance and stronger relationships.
Self-Care, Emotional Intelligence, Public Service, Trauma-Informed Care, Mental Health
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Truth Akins
History Teacher and Adjunct Professor
SAGE Magnet & Cerro Coso Community College
San Diego State University
UCI Criminology and UCLA Urban Education
Criminal Justice
Education
Education
Disabled, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Veteran, Transfer Student, Student Athlete, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Self-reflection and personal growth are crucial for success in careers involving significant human interaction, such as teaching or working with vulnerable populations.
2. Addressing personal issues and seeking therapy can improve one's ability to be present and empathetic towards others.
3. Being available and fully present for students or clients is essential for effective service and positive outcomes. This availability requires addressing personal challenges that could otherwise hinder one's capacity for empathy and effective support.
Transcript
What is one lesson that you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
The most important lesson I've learned is to really know myself and work on myself in my career when I'm dealing with people, so that I can always be available to be a public servant. If I haven't healed over my issues, then I'm not that available, and I might not do a great job.
I can't listen to the person in front of me talk about their child, or stories that break my heart from the prisons and urban areas. If you go into that kind of work, and something traumatic happened to you, you have to go to therapy.
You have to work on yourself. You have to let it all out. Then, when you go around people, you're not giving them your stuff; you're available to them. That makes the job great when you're available to the people.
I would say that's the most important thing: the work I've done on myself. Otherwise, you're butting heads with administrators, someone's triggering you, and someone else is triggering you.