Tercets

One of the definitions of tercet, according to the OED, is "a set or group of three lines rhyming together, or bound by double or triple rhyme with the adjacent triplet or triplets."  Elisa Garza's blog, Tercets, is indeed a  thoughtful analysis as her perspective triplicates through her experience as a mother, teacher, and writer. Her insightful writing challenges us to actively participate in our community through activism.  Activism is a way of life and each one of us are called to fully engage with our community both locally and globally.  Her daily practice is one in which she leads by example, and teaching functions as a vibrant and meaningful form of activism.  Often the teaching profession suffers from a lack of prestige and respect it deserves due to a myriad of reasons. On the one hand, pedagogical practice, a field where women make up the majority, tends to be characterized by both a lack of societal status and lower wages.  Recently, the teaching profession has been under attack at all levels, including higher education.  And yet imparting instruction and wisdom is more than just a job title and/or profession; it is a calling in the same way that motherhood is a vocation for many women.  Elisa explores this commitment for the Other holistically, by considering the mental, physical, and spiritual well-being of those she loves. Tercets places a great deal of emphasis on healthy living.  This past year I have had the benefit of learning from Elisa; she has shared some incredible insights, especially when it comes to food and nutrition.  I was thrilled to see the lovely way she presented her information, and I think you too will find her postings both entertaining and informative. 

On a similar note, if you are interested in teaching as a vocation, I also recommend The Drama of Possibility by John J. McDermott, you can click on it via the "I recommend" link to the right. Like Elisa, McDermott fundamentally believes that "our most existential projects" are "our willingness to learn and to teach..." For McDermott, the philosopher and the teacher are one; teaching, after all, should not be a solipsistic exercise. To read a full review of the book click on The Drama of Possibility. You will then see why I feel that Tercets is so interconnected with McDermott's text.