Along the Way

Editors Note: This is an adaptation of a talk given by Carrot at a recent symposium titled: Along The Way. The views expressed here do not necessarily express the views of theDIHEDRAL.

One of the most important things I can impress upon you, regarding things that I have learned along the way is the importance of shared experience and community.  I have shared this panel with both Mike and Mark numerous times, and a majority of those times was with Matt involved as both a student and now a professor. Despite not having a name that starts with “M”, the three of them continue to allow me to tag along.  In addition to my three colleagues each symposium has been blessed by the company of our students.  I think that I can speak for all of us when I say that while we love to share our understanding or lack thereof of the world through oration, i.e. we love to teach, it wouldn’t be the same if there was no one in the audience with which to share.

It’s not hard to imagine me standing up here alone, in front of an empty auditorium giving this exact same address, but it’s impossible to imagine me enjoying it to the level that I currently am.

Community adds value to our lives.  

I like to rock climb, but climbing alone doesn’t compare to climbing with friends.  The same can be said about nearly all other activities I engage in, including teaching.  Of course I teach, but teaching alone doesn’t compare to teaching with friends.  I’m just finishing up another year here, and I’m beyond fortunate to be able to say that I have been surrounded by friends since the beginning.

The importance of community can be exemplified by some of the lessons we pick up from our friends along the way, and in all the time that I’ve been here no one has instilled greater lessons than my friend and colleague Mark.

Mark has been here for me since day 1, as he was on the committee that brought me here to teach philosophy.  He is among the group that gave me a chance.  On my first visit, he was the person who picked me up from the airport and showed me that not everyone in Texas rides a horse or drives a truck.  He took me out for my first experience of Tex-Mex at what has become my favorite local restaurant. 

Our offices have been within a couple feet of each other ever since.  And it is impossible to share space with greatness and not pick up a few things along the way.

Mark and I have almost always alternated classes in the same room, and I’ve always loved standing outside Marks’s door during a lecture picking up insights, facts, and tidbits about topics I was ignorant of.  Now, for those of you who know Mark, you’ll note that you don’t need stand directly outside his door in order to hear his lectures, his voice can travel!

Teaching philosophy is wildly rewarding, but it comes with some obstacles along the way.  We present ideas that can effectively shake someone’s entire world view, this often comes with discomfort, agitation, and sometimes aggression, listening to Mark, especially in those early days taught me how to present controversial material in neutral empathetic ways that tend to instill curiosity rather than hostility.  

Outside of the classroom there were even greater lessons to be gained. Every Friday afternoon Mark would keep his office door open, and expose those of us who shared the hallway to his favorite classic rock songs from the 1960’s.  It was the best! One time he showed us a band called The Grassroots with Creed Bratton from The Office killing it on lead guitar in a song called Live for Today a message that was certainly not lost on me. 

In addition to music, Mark has exposed me to some of the best books and shows I have ever seen.  Mark is a true academic, who has embedded himself into a position where if he recommends something, you can bet it’s going to be worth your time.  It’s because of Mark that I became enamored with a show like Breaking Bad, a book like How to be Perfect, and a movie like The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl 3D.  One of those I made up!

Something that Mark used to always say is “get done and get the hell out of here”, that quote is the epitome of understanding a work/life balance.  Work hard, do your best, but when it’s time to go, it’s time to go! 

One more thing, before I finish up, getting back to community.  One of the most important things I’ve picked up from Professor Mark is that community is not a closed system.  When approached properly community can push us to learn from others, to change, and to grow.  Community isn’t about keeping others out but rather helping others out.  Mark has brought me into this community and has helped me out more than he could ever know! 

In summary…Community is essential to thriving, try to give others a chance, if you want to be heard, be loud, also, be empathetic, have fun, be trustworthy, find a work life balance, be open to change, never stop learning, and help others out!

Mark’s done teaching, and I know that means that he’s about to get the hell out of here, but I am going to miss him. 

He is the absolute best of what our community has to offer, and I’m eternally grateful for all the lessons he has given me along the way!  

Thank you all for your attention and thank you to Mark for allowing me to be part of this journey!