Discovering #MIGameChanger Teaching Moment
The following blog is a response to the Michigan College Access Alliance’s #MIGameChanger series. Every Friday during the month of October, community members are encouraged to share how college has been a game-changer in their lives and highlight the people who helped connect them with opportunity.
One game-changing teaching moment I can recall occurred during my graduate school experience at Wayne State University. I had just completed my EDA 8990 Internship in Administration and received future development feedback from my mentor. The mentor evaluation form read,
“I believe that Kailynn should continue her education and seek to obtain a doctoral degree. Additionally, she should allow herself the time to reach her ultimate goal. Kailynn’s ‘go-getter’ attitude is an essential piece to her success. She does not need to rush the process. Instead, she should enjoy each individual step and celebrate the little victories along the way”.
Reading this feedback revealed some truths about my professional and academic journey that I spent a lot of time avoiding but others were starting to notice.
I rarely celebrated the little victories because I was always planning my “next” move.
I turned my goals into a checklist with unreasonable and strict timelines.
This game-changing teaching shifted the perspective I had about my future. Over time, I realized that:
There is no award for being the “most exhausted person” in the room.
I really do have time to try, fail, succeed, and repeat.
Forcing the process or rushing the process is not going to get me “there” any faster.
I am thankful for an internship mentor who identified unhealthy patterns and called them out. Not only did I learn to enjoy each individual step and celebrate the little victories along the way, but I also began pursuing the Doctorate in Community College Leadership program at Ferris State University.
About The Author
Kailynn Ryan Cummings is a lifelong learner who has spent 23 consecutive years in the academic classroom. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in college access, community engagement, and youth development to her position as Senior College Access and Success Consultant with Strategic Community Partners.
Share Your #MIGameChanger Moment
Do you have an education or teaching moment that impacted your life or career? Share it on social media using #MIGameChanger!
Also, join local educators, administrators, and system leaders for a discussion on strategies to elevate and strengthen the teaching profession on Wednesday, November 10 at the SHIFT Series.