Flashlights
Ran across this today (emphasis mine).
A teacher is someone who stands with you in the dark and holds their flashlight just long enough for you to find your own flashlight.
—Steve Jobs
The two big problems I’ve observed with teachers (and occasionally parents, but I repeat myself) over the years are:
- They think the goal is to commiserate and keep you company in the dark.
- They think the goal is to let you bask in the glory of their flashlight for as long as possible.
(I should state the obvious and say that I’ve been guilty of both.)
Be a flashlight.