Thing #1

Of the 7 & 1/2 habits of lifelong learners, I personally find habits 2 and 5 come to me the most naturally. Habit 2 states that one must take responsibility for one's own learning, and that an education is to be considered an investment in your future. My parents instilled these beliefs in me at an age earlier than I can even recall, and throughout my fifteen years of school thus far I have continued to hold them to be true. Habit 5 encourages learners to create their own "toolbox" of materials useful to learning such as technology, books, classes, and mentors. As a student, it is hardly possible not to implement all of these things in the daily quest to receive and complete an education.

Although most of the 7 & 1/2 habits are easily achieved, the two that I find myself struggling with from time to time are habits 3 and 7 1/2. Habit 3 maintains that obstacles should be viewed as "challenges" rather than "problems". This is difficult for me because I often get frustrated when faced with an obstacle and if I am not careful, I occasionally miss out on the learning opportunity within. Habit 7 1/2 emphasizes the importance of "playing"; that is, taking time off from hard work and studying. While I would dearly love to be more capable of letting go of my various responsibilies and obligations from time to time, it is hard for me to validate doing so regardless of the circumstances.

 Setting up this blog was not a tedious task! I'm familiar with blogging but have never done it before, and am excited to explore this aspect of online technology in an educational setting.