One of my favorite parts of my job is teaching college aged students. I get a thrill standing in front of the class, conducting lectures, leading discussions, encouraging critical thinking. Just as I enjoy talking about issues with my friends, I enjoy researching a topic, providing opposite arguments and seeing what students have to say. I am a strong public speaker that can command a room and I must admit that all-eyes-on-me is attention that I thrive in.
I especially like leading discussions on controversial issues because I am curious what people have to say. When students respond with attitudes that are conflicting with mine, I enjoy carefully chosing my words to show that I understand their point and suggest considering the motives of why others may think differently. When people propose a situation that I do agree with, it's fun to play devil's advocate and see what the response is.
Healthcare, immigration, economics, education, discriminination, poverty, public officials, public policy. There is so much to disagree on! And although these issues do tear people apart, teaching lectures at ASU has encouraged my deliberation skills (not disagreeing skills), and thus brings me closer to others.
I am not sure what you mean. There is not that much to disagree on in public affairs :)
ReplyDeleteThat sounds genuinely fun. It's always good to be in a position where you can see opposing viewpoints and compare them with your own, seems like it would never get boring.
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