Do Schools Kill Creativity?

The role of education and the restrictions it places on one’s growth from childhood to adulthood is discussed in Sir Ken Robinson’s Ted talk, “Do Schools Kill Creativity?” Through quirky humor and bringing up past life experiences, Robinson constructs an opinion in which he believes education and its main pillars constricts the natural urge to question and be creative while pushing the idea that it is wrong to be wrong. I agree with Robinson as I also believe, after watching his discussion, that throughout childhood into adulthood, we are reminded time and time again that being wrong will generally lead to greater errors. Our educational system is constructed in a way where many revolve around the same subjects: math, grammar and some form of science. Many of these systems seem to discourage children from diving into their own creativity and restricting them by having them only focus on these core curriculum subjects. Often times children are forced to sit for hours and hours on end studying these main subjects while only spending a fraction of that time on arts or physical activity. As Sir Ken Robinson mentioned, there are various types of learners, many school curriculums force a single type of learner to flourish while keeping other students who need physical activity or other forms to learn low on the pecking order. If school curriculums continue to restrict and prevent young minds from being creative or taking risks, we as a society will experience a grey period in which new, unique ideas and concepts will fail to come about as the young minds holding them were never allowed to let them out in the first place. 

Everyone is Different

Watching my classmates video presentations was a surprising experience. Sometimes we do not realize that those sitting next to us have a totally different life, then expected. Everyone expects (mostly) for the person beside them to have a similar story as themselves, weather it is being a freshman in college or the first to attend college; everyone has a different lifestyle. Watching the video presentations of some of my classmates, made me realize how crazy life can be. From Chris’s presentation, I was able to learn that he was a triplet, and that all his siblings are attending college. The fact that I have sat next to Chris and actually worked in class together all semester and did not know that he was a triplet was so surprising. Another surprising presentation was Johan’s, yes I knew prior to watching the video that he was married but not that he has a child. It was inspiring watching Johan, as he demonstrated that he not only is a student, a husband, and employee but also a father. The fact that many classmates, have stories that no one would imagine was crazy, it made the experience of class so much more connecting. If I had to decide on who’s presentation was my favorite, I would have to say Chris ( The other Chris). Why? Because he was able to demonstrate, both school and work. Showing and being an example of a healthy balance. He was able to demonstrate how his first year of college has been, and how working at home has made the process difficult but worth the wild. 

Reflection Essay #3

In the beginning of starting my project, it seemed so difficult. Confused on where to begin on a topic I am so passionate about, was crazy. When it comes to my career I feel as though I focus more on others, then I do on myself. What I love to do is change lives, but little did I realize that the lives I changed, have also changed mine. So having to make a video about myself and what I do was a little uncomfortable and self-centered ( so it felt that way). After a few days into the video making, it seemed to get easier. All I had to do was demonstrate my love and passion for health and fitness. The fact that I was able to see myself do what I do, was an amazing experience. Sometimes, as individuals we don't sit back and acknowledge everything we do, and thats what the video did. From putting my story together, I learned a lot, it was “eye-opening”. Not only from myself but from others around me. I was able to learn more about myself, and that I not only encourage and motivate others,  but i also motivate myself. Making and watching my video, I was able to see what I do from another view. I was able to continue encouraging myself to not stop and work hard. At first, it seemed to be self-centered but towards the end, my video encouraged me and gave my confidence. From others I was able to see, my hard work. My clients feeling changed and more confident, made me enjoy and love what I do even more. Lastly, Watching my classmates videos, was a surprising experience. Sometimes we don't notice but the person sitting next to us can have an outstanding lifestyle. Being able to see how many of my classmates have enjoyed and experienced great things their first year of college was uplifting.