Teaching is Good for the Soul

 

Student at Basilica of the Immaculate Conception 

Why I Teach

Me and my parents, circa a long time ago

Growing up, unknowingly to me, my parents taught me by example.  My dad was an
accountant, he had a passion for classical music, knowledge and had the ability to simplify complex situations into understandable explanations.  My mom just did things, whether it was volunteering, helping a neighbor or helping family.  She would unconditionally take on the task.  They were always helping and sharing their time and resources to help friends, family and

 other people.  They never asked for anything in return. 

In celebrating my 10th year as an adjunct professor at Trinity Washington University, (Also taught at American University and Northern Virginia Community College) I started to reflect on my role at a teacher.  My basic photography class is an elective.  The pay is low, there aren’t any benefits, and there is no job security.

However, the lessons by my parents and other teaching mentors instilled in me was the passion to share my knowledge, to pass it forward.  I have a desire to share my experiences and photography knowledge.  The beauty of learning photography is the skills gained in photography are skills that are transferable to almost every profession.  As a photographer, you learn to be an observer, a storyteller, you interact with people, you learn how to compose and discern what is important, problem solve, you encounter problems and learn how to solve them, you become adaptable,  you learn how to learn, in every task, you enhance your creative thinking, and with utilizing the new technology you gain technical proficiency.    

Thus, all of these characteristics are vital skills needed in the new work environment.  Today’s students need all these proficiencies and more since the job market is constantly changing.  Especially in this job hopping and gig-based economy.

This internal drive is a calling to help others to gain their own experiences like the incredible opportunities I have had. We need to empower our students, provide them with skills and opportunities to face this ever-changing work life.  These are the reasons I teach is to share my passion for photography, to mentor students, help them develop their creativity and an entrepreneurial mindset. 

Ask me anything larrylevin@verizon.net. See my website www.LLLevin.com

More photos: 

Field Trip

In class assignment: portraits

Field Trip, Basilica of the Immaculate Conception 

At the Basilica

A summer high school photo class at American University

Class with guest speaker, Sharon Farmer