A Prism of Possibility
This semester I let ambition and aspirations get the best of me and signed up for a level 300 International Theory and Politics course. I entered the class, positive that I was up to the challenge. I was quickly blindsided by terms, words, and phrases beyond my intelligence level and comprehension. I e-mailed my academic advisor in a panic and she reassured me that I was indeed in the wrong class – not exactly the reassurance I had anticipated. Nonetheless, being as strong willed as I am, I devised to stick it out. The following class, I reached a point of somewhat understanding – this was a breakthrough.
This was more of the reassurance I was looking for, so I ran with it. Just this past week we delved into Contsructivist theory and I realized I actually really like this stuff. It all started coming together. But one thing stood out the most, we began discussing the idea of how states act according to their interests in further accordance with social norms etc. Some how I managed to make the connection that maybe, we as individuals, aren’t so different.
My professor described the perspective of state’s in terms of action as being defined through a ‘prism of possibility’ whereas our capacity for change and development both individually and collectively is determined by the actions of other states both past and present and further defines our discourse and action in response to the world around us.
I see myself looking through a prism of possibility every day. As leaders, I believe we’re called to look outside of this prism and truly view the whole picture. I thought back to when we went to the Edge and how we were called to look outside the box of practicality. Through taking the risk of widening our perceptions and aspirations we are further challenged to overcome the prism of possibility by redefining what is possible and achieving what has never been thought of as comprehensible.
February 21st, 2013 at 3:42 pm
It sounds like the “prism of possibilities” is a fancy word for what we call “the box.” This reminds me of the time in class when we were talking about thinking inside and outside the box to solve problems, and Annette said, “Is there even a box to begin with?”
February 24th, 2013 at 10:20 pm
Cameron, I really have to respect the fact that you stuck with this challenging class- I’m someone who is very stubborn and sometimes if I’m not feeling something, or it doesn’t immediately spark my interest, I drop all interest. And most of the time when my parents have forced me into doing something- I have to thank them in the end.
Like piano lessons: I took lessons for 6 years and at times I would complain and pout and refuse to practice, but honestly I couldn’t be more appreciative that they made me learn a fun musical skill. I find myself changing my mind when I give things a second chance/open mind, and I need to remind myself to do that more often! =)
February 26th, 2013 at 4:18 pm
Wow Cameron! That’s really impressive! I’m really impressed by how you stuck with it and didn’t let this overwhelming class defeat you. As leaders, I think a lot of tasks are daunting and some scenarios are frightening, but you just demonstrated hot to never accept defeat. Way to go!