5 Questions with George Walker

Educator and Youtuber.

1. Tell a little about your educational journey

My name is George Walker and in my early years I attended the Spanish Town Primary school. It was tough and challenge and I was just an average student whose performance could have been summarized as satisfactory. I managed to pass for The Old Harbour High School where I did 7 years. During my high school tenure I focused more on sports and not academics. However, struggle did not mean complete failures. Though I was attending classes, I found it extremely challenging to grasp several concepts that I was being taught, but I kept on trying. I managed to pass my subjects and was offered a full scholarship to various universities, but I chose The Mico University College. My journey at The Mico University College is the total opposite of what I experienced in primary and high school. This time my academic performances were excellent, and my sporting discipline got better and better, as I managed to balance both academics and sports well. So, I would say the best part of my educational journey thus far would be the 4 years spent at The Mico University College (The home of Champions).

2. What inspired you to become an educator?

In all honesty, I never thought of becoming an educator until I got to University. Basically, I took the opportunity to attend The Mico University College because of cricket. Little did I know that I would fall in love with the teaching profession. I was inspired to become an educator because when I was in high school, I found myself being criticized by some of my fellow teachers. “He is only good enough for cricket”, having heard those words from teachers who should have my best interests at heart, motivated me to become a better teacher. Additionally, the fact that I have always found a passion in motivating others also helped me to realize that teaching was a gift and I have a purpose to inspire through imparting knowledge as well as attitudes and skills. I must say a big thank you to my special teachers Rosemarie Lester and Orane Kelly who encouraged me despite the struggles I faced.

3. What keeps you motivated?

I love this question. Negativity keeps me going. After hearing and seeing all the negative things that persons would say, I used it as my motivation. Whenever people say I cannot do it, or I will not get the job done, this gives me the extra drive to push harder. When I am doubted, it only helps me. Music also keeps me going. Whenever I listen to music, it helps me to do greater things. It helps me to get in the right frame of mind to get things done as well as it gives me the energy boost to keep pushing.

4. What advice do you have for young people who are experiencing or have experienced failure?

I found my success in a pile of mistakes and failures. When you fail it simply means that you have attempted to learning. The experience and the pain you feel today, do not worry about it, as it is setting you up for the joy you will feel tomorrow. When you fail, that means you have tried. It is better to try and fail than not to try any at all. Focus on your goals and continue to work towards them. Everyone is writing their own stories but not every story will begin with “Once upon a time".

5. Share your thoughts about online learning and how you have been coping.

Online learning is the better option as this time. Though we were not prepared for it, I think we must adopt, adjust, and accept. Online learning has not just unlocked the creativity in teachers but also a greater level understanding and patience. How have I been coping? Well, I do not get to do as much as I would want to do in my classes because relying on mics and cameras makes things hard at times and when you plan a lesson anything can go wrong, and this will trigger frustration and discouragement. But as I said, it has unlocked creativity and patience that I never thought I had and so I am looking forward to learning and developing more useful knowledge and skills.

Instagram - @iam_dr.walker

Youtube - GW13 Empire