One of the most memorable #adventuresinteaching from this semester was actually the question frequently asked to me sounding something like,"Eh, Lelemia, I don't know how I got the right answer but ...[fill in the blank]..." I can't help but breath a sigh and smile. This taught me a lot about savoring this sacred sharing moment, and ask a thoughtful question back. My hope was in this retort, it would be a spark to light their torch in their cave to find their way out--and thus, reach comprehension.
What really warmed my heart this semester were the many recitation study sessions with those who's schedules afforded them to come. I enjoyed these nearly 16 weeks of everyone working hard on the chalk board. There were many discussions in understanding how to solve the engineering mechanics problems. The remains of semester's wane is captured above--a personal Kodak shot of appreciation. These chalk prints remind me of the many moments of struggle and moments of being an intellectual "rain man".
Many discussion unfolded: talks about ohana, life, pathways, identity, intersections, ethics and so much more--all parts of what engineers do--life's problem solvers. I am confident in this new generation of rising engineers. Stoked is an understatement to describe my joy to see this batch of students begin to eat, sleep, speak like an engineer. It is important as non-deformable solid mass (i.e., engineering student) to find that balance in external force or tension or push/pull (motivation) to overcome the static friction force to experience dynamic motion. These "engineers in the making" are ready for the next passage on their journey towards earning a bachelors of science in engineering at UH Manoa.
Mahalo plenty to the students of CEE 271 Fall 2015 section 001 at UH Manoa.