Many people care about legacy because they are afraid of being forgotten. I can understand the need for importance and respect, but I often wonder why people care so much about leaving a legacy on the Earth when eternity lies ahead of them. In eternity, I don't even think there is a need for legacy, because you are always there.
When I went back to China this summer, my grandpa asked me which grade I wanted to teach. I told him I liked young children, especially the PK-3rd range. He tried to deter me from this age group, saying that "they would never remember [me]" because they were too young. He suggested going with an older age group, 5th grade +.
But why is it so important to be remembered? To me, it's more important to have the children remember not me, but what I taught them. And not necessarily even the hardcore academic stuff. Even just remembering some soft skills would make me happy. I also really enjoy experiencing the "firsts" with children. Making their first invention, giving their first presentation, going on their first field trip with their classmates, solving their first math equation...I love firsts and I think it is a privilege to be able to be a part of those moments. They might not always remember me, and perhaps not even their firsts. But if I taught them well, they will be able to do that skill for the rest of their lives. That, to me, is the most important.
I think many people also forget that whether or not they want to, they will leave a legacy through their actions and character, which directly influence others--including future generations.
I just wished that someday, there will be more people in this world who care about their present actions, and much less the past they will leave behind.
When I went back to China this summer, my grandpa asked me which grade I wanted to teach. I told him I liked young children, especially the PK-3rd range. He tried to deter me from this age group, saying that "they would never remember [me]" because they were too young. He suggested going with an older age group, 5th grade +.
But why is it so important to be remembered? To me, it's more important to have the children remember not me, but what I taught them. And not necessarily even the hardcore academic stuff. Even just remembering some soft skills would make me happy. I also really enjoy experiencing the "firsts" with children. Making their first invention, giving their first presentation, going on their first field trip with their classmates, solving their first math equation...I love firsts and I think it is a privilege to be able to be a part of those moments. They might not always remember me, and perhaps not even their firsts. But if I taught them well, they will be able to do that skill for the rest of their lives. That, to me, is the most important.
I think many people also forget that whether or not they want to, they will leave a legacy through their actions and character, which directly influence others--including future generations.
I just wished that someday, there will be more people in this world who care about their present actions, and much less the past they will leave behind.
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