When one door opens
Photo: Hilary BeardWhen the economy got squirrelly, I realized that I needed to be flexible. So when the opportunity to do so fell into my lap, I interviewed for a teaching position at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. To my surprise, I got it! And not being one to turn a new experience down, I accepted -- even though I don't exactly know what I'm doing. Beginning in the spring of 2010, I will teach a business communications class in PCOM's Organizational Dynamics and Leadership Program. I trust myself enough to know that between now and then, I will figure it out.
This is my first experience with classroom teaching. While the responsibility is somewhat daunting -- and I have to admit that I don't look forward to "having to" be in one place for 3 months (as a freelancer I'm used to having more flexibility than that whether or not I use it) -- I a enjoying the preparation process and wonder who God will place in my class and why our lives are supposed to intersect.
Why am I sticking my neck out like this? New projects require that I grow and expand. Yes, I'm sometimes insecure and uncomfortable, but I have been insecure before -- and I can deal with discomfort; it comes and it goes. Much more important is the opportunity to touch another person's life and having my life touched by theirs. What amazing coincidences is God about to unveil? Plus, no matter how it goes, I know that I will be better off for the experience and trust that my students and peers will be, also.
Freelancing has taught me that each opportunity is a doorway to another. What looks like an article, a book or an assignment is really a gateway into a whole new life. Who knows what possibilities lie behind Door #1? I look forward to finding out. In the meantime, I am excited about preparing my lessons, being in a classroom for the first time, meeting new people and imparting helpful information about a topic I love, but which intimidates too many others.
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