Professor Role Models; Proverbs 18:1,22
Just a quick word on role models in Academia, then I’m off to bed!
Well, I just wanted to say that anyone who has been at a university knows that there are some professors that are role models for the students. This isn’t anything new.. I’m reminded of the not-so-far off past of Ludwig Wittgenstein having student followers who wore his same little coat, or weater, or whatever it was. So more than just admiring a couple of ideas, the students just sort of go gung-ho and take it all in, imitating expressions and style and everything.
I’m split on whether this is a good thing or a bad thing. I can see how it can be very cool for a person to have a professor as a role model, especially if it’s a good choice of a professor. But of course it limits individuality - you just become another follower of so-and-so, and pattern your life after them.
If there’s anyone I would ever want to do that with, it would be Professor Matt Williams here at good ol’ Biola. I enjoyed his lectures a lot, but also what I perceive to be a very genuine faith. In terms of style, I’m reminded of one day he came to class and explained his method of hair cut - he didn’t care about its appearance, so he just let his hair grow long, then cut it short every once and a while. That is my attitude towards hair too!
What really made an impression on me was seeing him in front of me in line for Friday’s chapel. Incidentally, Friday is the only time I can make it to the normal service. I’m stuck going to the alternate Tuesday and Thursday chapels because of work on Monday and Wednesday.
But there he was, right in front of me, and going in with the students. There is much more to be said in action than just in words. To be like just another student filing in for chapel, and not having any special place to sit (as far as I know), but on the bleachers like the rest of us. I’m sure there are other professors that attend, but I’ve never seen one. I’ve just seen some on chapel convocation last spring, where I saw good ol’ Dr. Ciocchi sitting alone I think, but in the same section as the rest of faculty. This was a special first chapel though.. after that I don’t see much of any of the faculty.
If I ever become a professor, that’s a trait I’d like to have - to be able to be a part of the student crowd. To eat where they eat, hang out where they hang out, etc. It’s so funny now because I’m a virtual hermit who can’t even associate with his own fellow students. What a hard time I’m going to have trying to achieve what Matt Williams does…
“The one who lives alone is self-indulgent,
showing contempt for all who have sound judgement.”
Proverbs 18:1
“He who finds a wife finds a good thing,
and obtains favor from the Lord.”
Proverbs 18:22
Notes on Proverbs verses: Oh dear…