So you are a twin, huh? There are identical twins in the cohort this year, and my best friend since kindergarten is a twin. My question for you is, if you become a really amazing teacher, will you think of yourself as more successful than your siblings?
That's a tough question. I do joke about my twin brother being more "successful" than me, but we've never really compared our lives in terms of success. However, I do feel like being a teacher already deems one successful because its a gratifying job that impacts many lives. Success can be measured in so many different ways, so I don't think I could say I would consider myself more successful than them if I become an amazing teacher. We're family, and we all think that we all will be successful in whatever we do.
I see that you love sports (I know absolutely nothing on the subject) :) so I was just wondering if you were ever torn between teaching Physical Education rather than English?
Absolutely not. I never wanted to be the middle aged man with a whistle around his neck preaching to kids how important it is to eat healthy and exercise. Not that there is anything wrong with that, it was just never my goal. I didn't embrace literature or writing until I was in college, so I think that one of my main goals as a teacher is to open the eyes of students who would never consider English as an important subject or something they might actually enjoy far earlier than I discovered.
Brent, first of all let me say how nice it is to see that there is at least one or two other guys in the cohort. (It was beginning to feel a bit one-sided. No offense, ladies. haha).
Also, is it strange that I have always wished I were a twin? In my fantasy world, he would be good at math and science and all the other not-fun subjects. In all seriousness, though, I think twins are fascinating. I have twin cousins (boy and girl).
My question is: Since you mention that you love to read (part of the reason that sparked your choosing to be an English major), what is your favorite genre? And what is your favorite novel, if you have one?
Brent, I have worked in retail and other customer service jobs as well. I can definitely say it is a learning experience like nothing else you will ever encounter. What is the biggest life lesson you learned working in retail that you would like to pass on to your future students?
Andrew, no it's not weird you wish you had a twin. Many people I know have said they wished they had a twin. It is pretty cool to always have someone to talk to. As far as books go, I don't really have an all-time favorite. I will list some authors though. Richard Ford, Cormac McCarthy, Raymond Carver, and Richard Yates were huge in my development as a writer, so they are certainly some of my favorites. If you put a gun to my head, I'd say "The Road," by Cormac McCarthy is my favorite book. Hearbreaking, but the best father/son relationship novel I've ever read. Plus Cormac can bring it when it comes to prose.
Katherine, I'd say there are two big life lessons I've learned from retail that I intend to preach to my students. 1) Being nice takes you a long way in life. The kinder you are to people, the more likely they are to go the extra mile for you. Sounds simple, but some folks don't get it. 2) The importance of communication. If you can't communicate well with others, you're screwed. Communication skills build relationships and its a skill that every job requires.
Christine, well I graduated in December and kept my job at OfficeMax here in Milledgeville. I guess you could say I'm still enjoying the college life minus actual classes. I must say, it's been pretty nice.
I, like Erin, wonder about South Park since you referenced ginger's having no souls. And it's pretty cool because my mom is also a media specialist! She's at a high school, though. It's funny because he is so technologically retarded! Ha. I'm sure your mom is not. Being a creative writing person, have you written a novel? Do you plan on writing something to be published?
I am very much a South Park fan. Funny story, my sister went to high school with the guy who made the YouTube video about gingers having souls. She didn't tell me this until a year later. Abby, my mom has an iPhone and a Facebook so she thinks she's real cool and tech savy. I have not written a novel. I do have a short story being published in the Peacock's Feet, but no novel yet. I keep waiting for that moment when an idea for a world changing novel comes to me, but no luck so far. I really haven't been writing for that long, so I feel like I really need some more practice writing until I try and tackle a novel. But, I'd love to.
Bed Bath and Beyond. No, I really don't think I have a favorite. I guess it would probably have to be either any sporting goods store or Best Buy. You can always find neat stuff in a Best Buy.
I recently became really enthralled in Mumford and Sons as well! Do you like the Avett Brothers too? To me, they have a similar sound that I'm pretty much in love with. I saw the Avetts live about a year ago and I think it was the best live show I've gone to. Do you like live music? what bands have you seen live or want to see live?
I do like the Avett Brothers. I hope you saw the Grammys and their performance w/ Mumford bc it was sick. I do like live music, however I really haven't been to many live concerts. I saw Trace Adkins in high school (ya it was, um, decent). I try to make it to as many concerts as possible that the bars here in Milledgeville have and I really enjoyed most of them. It's hard not to enjoy live music when everyone in the bar is going nuts for the band playing. I'd really like to see Mumford in concert bc I feel like they have the best lyrics out there right now. Seriously, their songs just seem pure. Oh, and The Civil Wars are pretty great as well. I'd really like to see them live.
Points for McCarthy and Carver. Have you read all of McCarthy's books? I agree about his knack for prose. There was a class at UGA strictly devoted to his work and I sincerely regret not taking it (it was a semester where I already had three courses for my major). I've read Child of God/Outer Dark/Blood Meridian probably half a dozen times apiece, but I still feel blown away (and simultaneously sick to my stomach) after finishing it each time, despite knowing exactly what happens. That's talent. -NH
Hey Brent, I also have worked in retail, and agree with everything you said about it. I really like your selling an education idea! What are your ideas on how to do this.
My dad is a twin and as soon as I tell people that then they tell me I will have or could have twins and I have to explain that is not how it works. And I am glad that you pointed out you guys have souls...otherwise I might look at my dad a little different :) But as for my question...did you ever consider doing sports journalism? Or something...I love the Thrashers and going to sporting games as well, but yeah...they kind of suck...Hawks too...
Rose, in retail I've worked as a sales associate most of the time. Part of that job includes finding a "solution" for the customer. I think being an educator means providing solutions for young people, meaning showing them how to use tools they may or may not know exist. You have to know what kind of questions to ask to customers to provide them with the best service. I think that translates really well to the classroom. Teachers need to be able to treat each student individually and find out what can be beneficial to them. As far as actually "selling an education," I think the main thing is to show students that the benefits of an education are abundant.
Brittany, after I realized I wouldn't be playing in the NBA, I really wanted to be a sports journalist. The writing aspect of it led me to a Creative Writing major. The passion for sports journalism just never really came to me. However, I am helping my friend's dad with his new sports website by writing a few articles, but I don't see it turning into a career.
You mentioned your first short story was written while in college; since graduating the Creative Writing program have you discovered a thematic connection between your earlier and later work?
So you are a twin, huh? There are identical twins in the cohort this year, and my best friend since kindergarten is a twin. My question for you is, if you become a really amazing teacher, will you think of yourself as more successful than your siblings?
ReplyDeleteThat's a tough question. I do joke about my twin brother being more "successful" than me, but we've never really compared our lives in terms of success. However, I do feel like being a teacher already deems one successful because its a gratifying job that impacts many lives. Success can be measured in so many different ways, so I don't think I could say I would consider myself more successful than them if I become an amazing teacher. We're family, and we all think that we all will be successful in whatever we do.
ReplyDeleteBTW, it says jonathan because that's my first name in my email, but this is Brent and not an imposter.
ReplyDeleteI see that you love sports (I know absolutely nothing on the subject) :) so I was just wondering if you were ever torn between teaching Physical Education rather than English?
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely not. I never wanted to be the middle aged man with a whistle around his neck preaching to kids how important it is to eat healthy and exercise. Not that there is anything wrong with that, it was just never my goal. I didn't embrace literature or writing until I was in college, so I think that one of my main goals as a teacher is to open the eyes of students who would never consider English as an important subject or something they might actually enjoy far earlier than I discovered.
ReplyDeleteBrent, first of all let me say how nice it is to see that there is at least one or two other guys in the cohort. (It was beginning to feel a bit one-sided. No offense, ladies. haha).
ReplyDeleteAlso, is it strange that I have always wished I were a twin? In my fantasy world, he would be good at math and science and all the other not-fun subjects. In all seriousness, though, I think twins are fascinating. I have twin cousins (boy and girl).
My question is: Since you mention that you love to read (part of the reason that sparked your choosing to be an English major), what is your favorite genre? And what is your favorite novel, if you have one?
Brent, I have worked in retail and other customer service jobs as well. I can definitely say it is a learning experience like nothing else you will ever encounter. What is the biggest life lesson you learned working in retail that you would like to pass on to your future students?
ReplyDeleteAndrew, no it's not weird you wish you had a twin. Many people I know have said they wished they had a twin. It is pretty cool to always have someone to talk to. As far as books go, I don't really have an all-time favorite. I will list some authors though. Richard Ford, Cormac McCarthy, Raymond Carver, and Richard Yates were huge in my development as a writer, so they are certainly some of my favorites. If you put a gun to my head, I'd say "The Road," by Cormac McCarthy is my favorite book. Hearbreaking, but the best father/son relationship novel I've ever read. Plus Cormac can bring it when it comes to prose.
ReplyDeleteKatherine, I'd say there are two big life lessons I've learned from retail that I intend to preach to my students. 1) Being nice takes you a long way in life. The kinder you are to people, the more likely they are to go the extra mile for you. Sounds simple, but some folks don't get it. 2) The importance of communication. If you can't communicate well with others, you're screwed. Communication skills build relationships and its a skill that every job requires.
ReplyDeleteBrent-
ReplyDeleteYou are a '10 gcsu graduate like me, right? What have you been doing since then? Have you been missing college life as much as I have?
Christine, well I graduated in December and kept my job at OfficeMax here in Milledgeville. I guess you could say I'm still enjoying the college life minus actual classes. I must say, it's been pretty nice.
ReplyDeleteAre you a South Park fan?
ReplyDeleteI, like Erin, wonder about South Park since you referenced ginger's having no souls. And it's pretty cool because my mom is also a media specialist! She's at a high school, though. It's funny because he is so technologically retarded! Ha. I'm sure your mom is not. Being a creative writing person, have you written a novel? Do you plan on writing something to be published?
ReplyDeleteI am very much a South Park fan. Funny story, my sister went to high school with the guy who made the YouTube video about gingers having souls. She didn't tell me this until a year later. Abby, my mom has an iPhone and a Facebook so she thinks she's real cool and tech savy. I have not written a novel. I do have a short story being published in the Peacock's Feet, but no novel yet. I keep waiting for that moment when an idea for a world changing novel comes to me, but no luck so far. I really haven't been writing for that long, so I feel like I really need some more practice writing until I try and tackle a novel. But, I'd love to.
ReplyDeleteSo since we have both been in retail for quite some time, let me ask you, what is YOUR favorite retail store and WHY?
ReplyDeleteBed Bath and Beyond. No, I really don't think I have a favorite. I guess it would probably have to be either any sporting goods store or Best Buy. You can always find neat stuff in a Best Buy.
ReplyDeleteHey Brent!
ReplyDeleteI recently became really enthralled in Mumford and Sons as well! Do you like the Avett Brothers too? To me, they have a similar sound that I'm pretty much in love with. I saw the Avetts live about a year ago and I think it was the best live show I've gone to. Do you like live music? what bands have you seen live or want to see live?
I do like the Avett Brothers. I hope you saw the Grammys and their performance w/ Mumford bc it was sick. I do like live music, however I really haven't been to many live concerts. I saw Trace Adkins in high school (ya it was, um, decent). I try to make it to as many concerts as possible that the bars here in Milledgeville have and I really enjoyed most of them. It's hard not to enjoy live music when everyone in the bar is going nuts for the band playing. I'd really like to see Mumford in concert bc I feel like they have the best lyrics out there right now. Seriously, their songs just seem pure. Oh, and The Civil Wars are pretty great as well. I'd really like to see them live.
ReplyDeletePoints for McCarthy and Carver. Have you read all of McCarthy's books? I agree about his knack for prose. There was a class at UGA strictly devoted to his work and I sincerely regret not taking it (it was a semester where I already had three courses for my major). I've read Child of God/Outer Dark/Blood Meridian probably half a dozen times apiece, but I still feel blown away (and simultaneously sick to my stomach) after finishing it each time, despite knowing exactly what happens. That's talent.
ReplyDelete-NH
Hey Brent, I also have worked in retail, and agree with everything you said about it. I really like your selling an education idea! What are your ideas on how to do this.
ReplyDeleteBrent just as a random comment after reading through everyone's comments you seem to have a great sense of humor.
ReplyDeleteMy dad is a twin and as soon as I tell people that then they tell me I will have or could have twins and I have to explain that is not how it works. And I am glad that you pointed out you guys have souls...otherwise I might look at my dad a little different :)
ReplyDeleteBut as for my question...did you ever consider doing sports journalism? Or something...I love the Thrashers and going to sporting games as well, but yeah...they kind of suck...Hawks too...
Rose, in retail I've worked as a sales associate most of the time. Part of that job includes finding a "solution" for the customer. I think being an educator means providing solutions for young people, meaning showing them how to use tools they may or may not know exist. You have to know what kind of questions to ask to customers to provide them with the best service. I think that translates really well to the classroom. Teachers need to be able to treat each student individually and find out what can be beneficial to them. As far as actually "selling an education," I think the main thing is to show students that the benefits of an education are abundant.
ReplyDeleteBrittany, after I realized I wouldn't be playing in the NBA, I really wanted to be a sports journalist. The writing aspect of it led me to a Creative Writing major. The passion for sports journalism just never really came to me. However, I am helping my friend's dad with his new sports website by writing a few articles, but I don't see it turning into a career.
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned your first short story was written while in college; since graduating the Creative Writing program have you discovered a thematic connection between your earlier and later work?
ReplyDelete