Karen Patterson
I remember the day that my parents put carpeting in our kitchen. I remember wondering why they were carpeting the kitchen when our existing floor was just fine. I asked my parents the reason for getting a new carpet, and their answer was one that still amazes me. The new carpeting was put in the kitchen for my 12 year-old Golden Retriever, who was beginning to have hip problems. You see, every time someone would say, "Phoenix, wanna go outside?" he would come tearing through the slippery kitchen floor and his poor, old legs would slide out from under him, further injuring his hips. Because my parents, and the rest of our family, saw Phoenix as a member of the family who deserved compassion and love, just like any of us did, they carpeted the kitchen to save his poor hips.
As I grew up and moved out on my own, I realized that compassion for humans, animals and the environment was one of the most powerful emotions a person could experience. I was fortunate to have been taught how to be compassionate from a very young age and realized that I wanted to spread the teaching of compassion to others. In 2001, I graduated from the University of Michigan with a teaching degree and began teaching elementary school at the age of 23. Although I loved working with students of all ages and took great pride in my job, I always felt as if I was looking for something more to bring into the classroom. I also knew that my love of animals was strong, so I began to search for programs that involved helping animals.
Through a simple search on the internet, I stumbled upon the Institute for Humane Education. After reading about the program, I knew that this was the exact program for me. Not only was it an accredited Masters program, but it would combine my love of teaching with my love of animals, working with people and caring for the environment. I knew that this program would change my life in so many positive ways.
My journey into the program began in January of 2007 and continues today. The M.Ed. program in Humane Education and the wonderful faculty, staff and students whom I have worked with in this program have positively impacted my life in more ways that I ever imagined. Not only have I grown intellectually, but I have grown and changed spiritually as well. As I prepare for graduation in December 2008, I know that only great things lie ahead of me in my role as a humane educator.
During these past two years, I have had many wonderful experiences as a humane educator. In May 2008, I was a featured speaker at the Green Street Fair in Plymouth, Michigan. I also organized and ran an educational booth at the fair to educate others about the Institute for Humane Education and animal welfare. Currently, I am working on writing a humane education curriculum that teaches children about showing compassion to humans, animals and the environment. I will also be working with local school districts to help them integrate humane education into their classrooms in the upcoming year.
As I sit here typing this, my kitty in my lap, my dog at my feet, I know that I am so blessed to have compassion in many areas of my life. Through my work as a humane educator I hope to bring more compassion into the lives people and animals. Through humane education, I hope to fill hearts and minds with the feelings and sounds of compassion all across the world. Through my continued efforts as a humane educator, I hope to make even just one small piece of the world a more compassionate place to live.
Most Good & Least Harm Talk by Zoe Weil - Orono, Maine
March 16, 2010 - 2:00 pm | Location: University of Maine - Orono (100 Neville Hall)
Please join us for an inspiring talk with Zoe Weil at the University of Maine in Orono. Co-sponsored by the Peace Studies and Sociology departments. Learn about the ways in which your everyday choices, your work, your activism, and your volunteerism can do the most ...
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March 16, 2010 - 2:00 pm | Location: University of Maine - Orono (100 Neville Hall)
Please join us for an inspiring talk with Zoe Weil at the University of Maine in Orono. Co-sponsored by the Peace Studies and Sociology departments. Learn about the ways in which your everyday choices, your work, your activism, and your volunteerism can do the most ...
Read More