The Pigeon Story

I had coffee with my friend Critter today. Critter introduced me to Ira Rothstein, an English teacher from Lowell HS. I remember he was a good teacher because everyone else said so. His classes were always full. Otherwise I might have learned something from him. Today, I got a couple nuggets of knowledge from him. I also learned a lot from Critter today too. He and I aren't really "classroom" types. Although we are definitely "learning" types. Here is a prime example of "never stop learning." I present to you a story by Critter Yuen:

"You don’t have to be a student to learn or a teacher to teach. I learned a lot by not doing much. Just listening to people talk and watching their actions. I sit at the coffee shop and at the casino listening: to teachers, to business owners, to crazy people, to parents, to students, to contractors, to strip club owners, to "poker pros." Not one has taught me much more than the other. But what I get out of listening to each person talk is different from one another."

"I feel like a pigeon on the sidewalk. Everyone feeds me, whether they know it or not. Some people drop crumbs, or information. And some people will just straight out feed me. So, if they have a Ph.D. or only $5 in their pocket, I listen the same way. Because sometimes, I get the best food from people I least expect it from. Not everyone will give me respect. But, whether they know it or not, I’m getting something from them. You just have to listen and take what you will from each."

Have you learned anything lately?

You are never too old or too young...to stop learning.