My name is Brian Asselin, I am a musician and recent graduate from the education program at the University of Ottawa. When I think about my education growing up, I am reminded how fortunate I was to have teachers that continually inspired me to be anything I desired. Teachers have such am profound impact on not only a child’s learning but their development as an individual. During my studies I was so inspired by my teachers I co-wrote a song entitled “You Have Made A Difference”. Here is the link if you are interested.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwsKWiXlA78

Thank you for reading
Brian Asselin

I had a great time yesterday! I’m afraid I talked too much and probably at the moment you don’t know where to start:-) Anyway, organize your thoughts and write down where you want to see yourself in a year, three years and five years – career wise and academic wise. Then do what you need to do! I would be more than happy to give you ideas during your development journey. I am sure that I will be learning a lot from your experiences too!

“At school, new ideas are thrust at you every day. Out in the world, you’ll have to find the inner motivation to search for new ideas on your own.” Bill Watterson

Hope to see you soon.

Burcu

I have a couple of my own favorite quotes her story reminded me of:

“Teachers teach more by what they are than by what they say.” (wish I knew who to credit for this one)

“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher shows. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” (William Arthur Ward)

Of course, I think both you and your colleague fall into the “great teacher” category

1) If a doctor, lawyer, or dentist had 40 people in his office at one time, all of whom had different needs, and some of whom didn’t want to be there and were causing trouble, and the doctor, lawyer, or dentist, without assistance, had to treat them all with professional excellence for nine months, then he might have some conception of the classroom teacher’s job. ~Donald D. Quinn

2) In teaching you cannot see the fruit of a day’s work. It is invisible and remains so, maybe for twenty years. ~Jacques Barzun

3) I am indebted to my father for living, but to my teacher for living well. ~Alexander the Great

Thanks again for another wonderful post

Shonah

Keep walking around the corners-it is a great world out there and you already have the spark of enthusiasm – why not make it a fire?!

Also, how very fortunate to have Burcu as a mentor/guide/friend-you will never be lost!

Can’t wait to read your blog!
Shonah

It’s one of the highlights of teaching to be able see people come to see themselves as being capable of more. Teachers can make a difference. I believe that comments from a French teacher when I was in secondary school sent my life in a particular direction.

It does indeed sound like you have made a difference for your friend and I’ll look forward to her posts.