Derek Bardell | Guiding Students to Achieve More Than They Knew was Possible

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My Journey to #AchieveMore

I am deeply driven by the spirit of excellence to achieve more and to serve as a living example for the next generation of educational practitioners. I strongly embrace this school of thought because I seek not notoriety or fortune, but rather to improve the human condition, help build the new intelligentsia, strengthen the social fabric that inextricably binds us and to challenge students to aspire to lofty goals and high ideals. My drive is also derived from my commitment to giving undergraduates a first rate, unparalleled education by removing all barriers that may impede learning and obtaining their goals. Many of my students are nontraditional and bring a variety of challenges that hamper their studies and delay graduation. The biggest issue is that of balancing school, work and family. To curb that problem, I allow them to bring their children and sometimes include the children in the discussions since the courses are education. I affectionately describe it as educating two for one. I also utilize my network to help students solve minor problems and keep them actively enrolled and thriving. This is my one stop resource approach. Further, I heard a very wise man state that a lion does not retire. As long as he has teeth and claws, he continues to hunt until death overtakes him. I liken myself to that of a lion because as long as I am mentally and physically able and effective, I will man my post and continue to be a beacon of hope for disadvantaged college students who simply need a chance to compete on a level playing field. Therefore, it is my moral duty to continue guiding my budding elementary education majors to take their place in society and leave their indelible marks which serve as my impetus.

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