![]() After I finished my five-hour final on Assessments, my Dad asked me what I had learned this semester in graduate school. At that tired moment, I could only recall the term aptitude. Basically, my class focused on measuring a person’s aptitude for learning a foreign language. This term aptitude pretty much sums up my current dilemma: Do I have the aptitude it takes to do 50 successfully? Or will I be a silly woman? In my early twenties, I attended a training seminar in Atlanta called Becoming A Master Student. It was a pivotal life moment because I received a road map for setting life goals. The writer of the program showed me how to prioritize plans for every ten years and then break them down as much as needed- even to the day if I needed. I still have those oversized notecards I set up with dreams, deadlines for fulfilling those dreams, and who would help me realize those dreams. Next, I prioritized. It’s not a bucket list of experiences; it is a set of highly achievable goals. At age 39, I decided it was time to go on mission trips and use these languages I loved. Other goals like cooking and gardening are specifically assigned to later years when I have more time. Only two goals have rolled from my twenties to my thirties to my forties without being fulfilled. #1 Get a doctorate. #2 Buy a boat. I’m headed in the right direction with the degree thing even though I won’t complete this one by my birthday- tomorrow. I have had the name of a boat picked out for thirty years. Perhaps it is fair to say that I like the idea of having a boat more than the idea of paying for one. In this recent college class, I learned that aptitude is a construct and a construct is something you can’t see. The construct is defined by its behaviors that are tested. When you get all the pieces or components named, you test to see how well you respond to these points. You infer some degree for success. It is important to note that testing for aptitude does not measure tenacity or motivation. And that’s all I’ve got some days. What behaviors are associated with aptitude? Memory Perfect. The band width in my brain has officially expanded to capacity. I’m like a squirrel trying to capture something important to remember. I literally snap my head around attempting to recall what I wasn’t supposed to forget. Auditory Alertness I no longer hear the cars as they pull up to the house. I drive my kids crazy when I am talking because I might stop in mid-sentence. I’m like Nicholas Cage in the movie NEXT, always trying to split myself in different directions to analyze what might happen next as a consequence of what I may or may not say. Sound to Symbol Correlation The sound of my hands on the keyboard of computer signifies that I’m hard at work. The creak of my front porch swing, a sign of rest, reminds me that there’s always a good place to take a nap. The beep of the oven instills a certain level of fear that I have let something burn. I must have serious don’t screw up issues if toasting bread requires that much attention. Vocabulary While my personal vocabulary has significantly improved in the last few years, the only words that I can manage to get out of my mouth are quite simple. I’m sorry. I don’t know. Whatever is easiest. Thank you. Where are my glasses? I have still not learned how to say no. Sensitivity to Grammar I’m that person who can’t text without typing out every single word. Yes, I proof read text messages. I can’t with the ttyl, btw, and bc. The only charming one is LMAO, and I do use it quite frequently. So, I’m screwed if these are the measurements for aptitude as it pertains to growing old. It doesn’t look like much fun. The best thing about personal assessments is that I can simply change perspective and redefine my parameters. This new set of behaviors may invalidate my scores, but it will just be ok. I’ll take that chance. How about this: Memory Remembering joy and fun to be had in life. Remembering to be kind. Remembering to laugh. Auditory Alertness May my senses be opened to every act of grace. May I hear each person’s story as I make time for what is truly important- the relationships with those who love me. Sound to Symbol Relationship I will sing praises to His name for every blessing in my life. The cross is the symbol that reminds me of the One I need. The sound of Coucou Madame in the hall as my elementary students greet me brings me happiness and sense of purpose. (Coucou means hello- not crazy!) Vocabulary May my lips be slow to use words in anger and quick to share words of peace. Sensitivity to Grammar It will be ok if “I” isn’t the first word in most of my sentences. What is my final analysis? What did I learn from this assessment? Turning 50 might be a little scary. But being 50 is going to be one hell of a ride. Bob should see my new ten-year plan! #imstillagoose #onceagoosealwaysagoose #justletitbefun
1 Comment
Mama Peace
12/8/2020 05:49:13 pm
#StillMyFavoriteGoose
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JoAnna Arnold
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