Where is the Passion?

I recently had one of my classes identify the implications of our university’s mission and vision to the design of the course. I had the students form into small groups to discuss how the course was to be conducted if we stayed true to the university’s mission and vision. The one theme that every group identified as important to how we conducted the course was to exhibit “a passion for learning.” Part of the university’s purpose is to instill a passion for learning in students. After hearing each group report on the importance of the course evoking passion, I looked out at the forty students in the class and asked, “Where is it? Where is the passion?” They spoke of passion as if they were reciting from a grocery list. It then occurred to me. They were afraid of it! To be passionate would differentiate them. They would stand out from their peers. They would be perceived as weird. They would be labeled crazy. What they were saying is that they would act like me and that was frightening!

What evokes passion? Caring. When you deeply care about something, you can’t help but be passionate. That passion does not have to be wild and loud. It may be quiet but it will still be felt by others. Passion is an energy that emerges from the core of our being. My wife, Gwen, says, “Passion drives dreams to reality.” Passion can make great things happen. It can also wreak havoc. The outcome depends upon the values that channel our passion.

Passion is contagious. It is a spark that can ignite a flame in others. If we expect our students to be passionate about learning, we must be role models. That requires that we allow ourselves to be vulnerable. Passion is a surrendering of control. To be passionate is to allow something to grab hold of us, to direct our energies. Obviously, we do not give up all control. We must channel our energy towards positive outcomes. This is where our values play an important part. What we are to give up control to when we allow ourselves to be passionate is a higher calling. Our call will take us beyond our perceived limits. As a result we will feel vulnerable, unsure, and anxious. We will also experience exhilaration, insight, and growth.

To fulfill our university’s mission, we must lead our students to experience a passion for learning. Where is that passion to be found? Deep within.