Read “Transformation: A Beginning” and “Transformation: Creating Context, Part 1.” React to the two articles.

Well, obviously, both articles have the same header, making them part of the same topic, Transformation. In the first article, A Beginning, we are introduced to the terminology transformation. I never realized how many other terms fall into the same category, like renovation, alteration, and even revolution. Transformations are a part of life like I wasn’t aware of; at least I wasn’t really aware of it on a cognitive level. To make the topic even more concrete the life of a butterfly is introduced into the essay, a great and magnificent homage to the term transformation itself. The caterpillar isolates itself in a chrysalis, only to emerge from it weeks later as a completely different entity. It’s funny that an article like this would be assigned for me to read, like an unspoken prayer being answered. Recently, I have been looking to do something with my life, to reinvent myself completely. Last week, I made the conscious decision to become an educator and to specialize in art education. But I don’t just want to teach art, I want to live art. I am at a point in my life where I need to undergo some personal transformations of my own. In my mind’s eye I am far from where I need to be, physically, intellectually, and artistically. I am ready to leave my caterpillar state and to emerge from my chrysalis a glorious butterfly. Unfortunately, I can’t just drop everything I’m doing to cocoon myself in my room while I undergo changes, maybe not as severe as liquefaction, but something just as messy. For change may not always be easy, but it is most necessary, how else do you think we got to where we are now? In the second article, Creating Context Part 1, it continues with the topic of transformation and goes specifically into reinventing ourselves. Self esteem, a somewhat sensitive topic for some, is addressed in the article. How we see ourselves is much more important than how others see us. No amount of flattery can ever undo a negative self concept that has been engraved into our very being. As educators, especially of young impressionable children, we must strive to create a constructive atmosphere, one that will encourage positive self concepts. Because when the students are confidant and secure within themselves, the capacity to accept and embrace differences among other students is made all the more easier. And then my brain made the connection. From the first article, I read the story of a homophobic man. He underwent a transformation as well, and may now be a better person for it. But to change he had to look into himself for the answer of why he was homophobic and against homosexuality all together. It took time, patience, and effort, but he came to terms with all of it, including himself. He came to accept and tolerate people with a lifestyle much different than his own. Finding that he could be respectful and compassionate towards homosexuals, because in the end we all share one very important trait, we are all people. The classroom is the best place for a student to learn acceptance, tolerance, and compassion. From the very beginning they will be exposed to students and teachers from all walks of life. It is our job, as educators, to make these interactions positive ones, because not only do we teach them their ABCs, but we also teach them how to interact with others. A little something educators often forget, but still manage to pass on.