By Austin Lewter
I need to apologize.
You may have noticed my recent hiatus from publishing a weekly column.
I haven’t published since the last week in January and, if you’ve missed me, I’m sorry.
If you haven’t, you’re welcome.
Quite honestly, the first part of 2021 has been incredibly hectic. The time it takes to write a column each week has been devoted to other irons in the fire.
I’ll do better going forward and appreciate your understanding.
One of the new irons I have in the fire lately is a part time roll I’ve assumed as an adjunct journalism instructor at a DFW area junior college.
I have two sections of mass communications courses and, all told, about 40 students.
The college classroom has long been a goal and it was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down— especially since it was one for which I was recruited.
They found me. I didn’t go looking for them.
Both classes are being taught online due to COVID-19 concerns.
Having completed the majority of my Masters degree in an accredited online format, I felt I might have some insight to offer.
And I have.
I also went into it feeling I am still young enough to relate to college students.
The jury is still out on this point.
Sometimes I feel as if my ripe old age of 38 is just a year or two removed from my college days.
But, most times, I realize the truth.
It is not.
While grading my first round of papers a few weeks back, I realized most of my students were not alive during the Sept. 11 attacks.
Those that were are certainly not old enough to remember it.
There are a few non-traditional students in the mix who are closer to my age and the real-world insight they bring to conversations has been enlightening.
Despite having come to terms with my advancing age, I have embraced the new role and have enjoyed my interactions with my students thus far.
I’ve learned a few things along the way.
That’s how this is supposed to work.
That’s how life is supposed to work.
The teacher is apt to learn as much from the students as they him.
I have been blessed with an array of such symbiotic relationships in my lifetime and I am a better person for it.
I challenge you, in all the seasons of your life, to never stop learning.
Never stop growing.
Always remember the younger generation has as much to offer you as you do them.
Proverbs 18:15 says “Wise men and women are always learning, always listening for fresh insights.”
Thus far in 2021, many of those fresh insights have come to me from the minds of 18 and 19 year-old college freshmen.
Austin Lewter is the Co-Publisher & Editor of the Jefferson Jimplecute. He can be reached at jeffersonjimplecute@gmail.com.