KAWACHI: Inspiration

In my current English class, we’ve recently been analyzing English Romantic Poetry. I know . . . poetry: you either get it or you don’t. I won’t go on and on about the poem.  It did, however, spark a musing I thought I’d share.

Keats’ “Ode on a Grecian Urn” essentially discusses what he believes to be the “meaning of art.” He describes the piece as it brings about many questions and wonders, and states that, unlike him, have permanence in the world. The urn, and other art works, will last – forever to be enjoyed by others – while Keats and the rest of mankind eventually wither away.

I know, “Stop acting like an English teacher,” right?  But wait, I’m getting to my point . . . I promise

Permanence. Noun. “The state of quality of lasting or remaining unchanged indefinitely,” according to the dictionary on my laptop.

It’s an interesting notion, “lasting indefinitely.” But I guess that’s something we all aspire to, right? We all want to be remembered – to have a legacy. That’s probably what drives me the most and inspires me to pursue a career in teaching.

Sure, I could want to be a famous movie star or world-renowned author, but to me, that just isn’t as fulfilling. With those lifestyles, yes, I’ll be remembered – if I were to ever make it. But I want to contribute a different influence on history. I want my influence to be small, but meaningful, remaining in the hearts and minds of those I teach.

We’ve all had those teachers that we will probably speak of for many years to come. They taught us well, entertained us, and made an impact. They inspired us on our own respected tracks.

I had a few teachers in high school that did those things for me. In fact, they are the reasons I am who I am. They’ve influenced my choice of study, my habits and my general outlook on life.

I recently sat at dinner, listening to two friends who went to the same high school.

They spoke of many memories and mentioned many of their teachers, commenting on their influence. When they spoke of those that they loved – the ones they’d go back to visit – I thought about my future. How great would it be to be remembered in that way? Not in big lights, but in small talk. That’s the kind of impact I hope to make, at least.

I want to be someone in this world, if only in a minute way. I want to make my contribution to society. And if the only small, slightly significant, way I can do that is through teaching, I’d gladly do so. In fact, I don’t even have to be remembered.

What’s important is what I share with others, and hopefully, through their own will, they want to share with others as well.

Krissen Kawachi is a freshman in the College of Arts and Sciences and a weekly columnist for The Daily Free Press. She can be reached at k.kawachi@gmail.com