WOW! I really enjoyed Dr. Aguilar's presentation yesterday. He was really encouraging with all he had to say, and it's very refreshing to me whenever people are willing to be that open about their own trials that were overcome to obtain success. Many times, people want to act like there were no valleys during their journeys. Oh, well ........ anyway, when we were exploring the topic of "Empowerment", the quote that I'd referenced came from a Chinese Proverb: "Give a man a fish and feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime." To me, that's what empowerment is all about. In the process of teaching someone to "fish" (self sufficiency), you are also increasing that person's self esteem. For, once he/she learns how to fish, there's no longer an excuse for being hungry (or, otherwise providing for his/her own or family's needs). It feels much better to me when I can do things on my own instead of having to depend on someone else all the time. When I was growing up, our family didn't always have a car, so my parents taught us how to ride the bus. And, I still depend on public transportation for the most part to get me where I need to go, even though my husband and son have cars (but, I can't drive either). It's usually no big deal to me, unless there are extreme weather conditions, or some other situation keeps me from riding the bus at a particular time.
Another big thing that I appreciate about Dr. Aguilar's talk was that he'd mentioned how people can manipulate certain situations in order to be able to participate in events which they may not otherwise be able to do, due to some type of challenge. I remember in the movie "Ray" (about the singer/musician, Ray Charles), starring Jamie Fox, how his socks had certain stitchings added to them so that he'd know which color to choose to match his clothes. Now, that's creative. It's amazing what types of creative things we can do to make our lives easier if put in the position to really need to do so. That's enough for now. Later! :-)
I also found our guest speaker, Dr. Aguilar, a wonderful speaker and I loved how he gave a different perspective on things we have been reading about in our text. I had never heard the proverb you brought up in class but I have to admit I thought about it after. That is such a great way to sum up empowerment! I also liked the portion of his talk about manipulating situations to allow everyone to participate in all activities. You are so right, we just need some creativity!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the proverb!
-Rebecca
Shirley,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed Dr. Aguilar as well! Very inspiring story that encourages me! Sometimes I think, man, I'm not sure if I can do this, when I get overwhelmed. But when I hear a story like his and how he beat the odds, it makes me try harder to succeed. I know we can do this and I know we will!
I also enjoyed the Chinese proverb. It is one that has spoken to me throughout the years. Thanks for me reminding me of it.
Have a great week!
Barbara
Shirley,
ReplyDeleteDr. Aguilar was definitely an inspiration and a breathe of fresh air. Sometimes I feel so bogged down by all of the stories of failure- his story of success was one a really needed to hear. However, it desitrubed me when he said that in order to succeed we needed to defy the system that was supposedly put in place to help us succeed...the more I learn about the system in place the more it begins to seem like my enemy and the the enemy of those we are trying to help. I suppose that we simply need to remember that the fight is worth it when we come across people like Dr. Aguilar.
Shirley,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your statement about empowerment is just like the Chinese proverb. Teaching someone a skill like fishing is definitely empowerment, but I also view it as breaking a cycle. By learning to do something, such as learning to fish, you are no longer in a position of reliance like you said, but now you are in a position to help and teach those around you with that knew skill. You are now empowered. This is a cycle worthy to be spread, not a cycle of reliance.
Great post!