Was the Juice Worth the Squeeze?

Blake DiSanto  

Ms. Williams

English 1A

3 Septemeber 2013

 Was the Juice Worth the Squeeze?

                In the “Passion Project”, a recurring theme seems to imbue in my head. As a young child, you’re told to follow your dreams, and to continue to do what you love. The question that I, and I know many of my classmates pose is this, why does your dream seem to be lost as soon as you become an adult?  Our society as a whole has bought into this idea that the only way to be successful is to play it safe, get your four-year degree and get a job. The next question I pose is without risk, where is the reward? I understand the idea of playing it safe, but in order to make that next leap, some kind of risk needs to take place. Personally, I believe that not taking risks have a lot to do with the loss of passion. If the students aren’t encouraged to take risks, then their dreams are lost and with their dreams goes there passion. With that being said, the classroom is a two-way street. Teachers and students alike must learn to step out of their comfort zones. Teachers need to be trusted, and in order for that to happen, risks need to be taken. Risks require everyone to go out of their comfort zones. “Three concepts that make teachers around the world cringe. Creativity and innovation… risk taking – these were all neglected. Without passion, education cannot be an innovative industry.”(Carey 2013). How can a teacher relate to a student without knowing their passions? We as students are the future and you as teachers are the innovators that instill passion and risk taking. Between the students are teachers, there needs to be some equilibrium. Passion for passion. Risk for risk. Both parties need to be present and willing to open up. Only then will you truly get the best experience for you, the teacher and for the class. Last question that I hope everyone asks themselves once this class has come to a close. Was the juice worth the squeeze?