When I enlisted in the US Air Force my career options were limited. I chose jet engine mechanic. After completing basic training at Sampson AFB in New York State I was then assigned to Chanute AFB in Rantoul, IL for my technical training. During the course of training one of the NCO instructors observed me explaining the accessory section of a J-47 engine to a classmate. He later asked me if I would like to be an instructor. My first response was no.
After thinking over the opportunity, I went back to him and talked more about it. After that conversation I decided that I would give it a try. Apparently he saw something in me that I did not know about. At the time I did not know anything about power other than the power that comes with position. I used it unmercifully. As I look back on it, I was a tyrant. I had one more stripe than any of the students. You guessed it, I outranked them and I took unfair advantage of that. It was a learning experience.
I remember one class that was particularly unruly. They were required to do the GI party earlier than usual. Hey, if you don't want to learn, then we will let you do something you will have to do anyway.
That was my first taste of being an instructor. I have found out ways to do that from that time on. I like to think that I have mellowed since then. The difference, as far as I can tell, is the discovery of my personal power.
All through my life I have found myself making decisions to be teaching others. It is very rewarding to help others discover things they knew, but were unaware of their knowledge. I was beginning to lay the foundation so that I could discover the concepts of ....
Serve Well! Live Fully! Do good works.
8 comments:
I love these stories. These are the ones you should put into book form.
"Take the time to determine your personal power"...
That is a continuing saga for me and fun! The internets have been very helpful. :-)
*KNOWLEDGE IS POWER*
Have a Great Day!
the teacher in you comes out delightfully in your comments on other posts. you are a kind and instructive soul - and seem to know how to "let" people learn.
Thanks bird. I hoped that I was doing that. It's nice to get some confirmation. I can tell we are probably cut from the same bolt of cloth as people and as teachers. We will continue to offer our souls to others in this serving, caring, loving way. It is a great way to do good works.
I love reading your postings as well as your comments. Thanks for being a part of my world.
Jack, you continue to impress me with wisdom, humor, and grounding advice that takes THIS man and gives him options to be better.
I've been a motivational speaker for close to 10 years thru my Toastmaster experiences and various organizations. I found that the same basic principles you've discussed in your "Personal Power" are mirrored in my "Rule your Roll" theories I've expressed to many.
Same bolt of cloth? maybe not, but damn man.... nice threads...
;)
and crap, I did spell that wrong... ROLE... not ROLL....
although that'd be a funny speech too!
And I thought I was the only one with dyslexic fingers. Thanks for letting me know that I am not alone. lol
To Sir, with love,
Thank you.
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