Rob Wood
Math Instructor
As a math teacher, I have a poster of Albert Einstein in my classroom with his quote, “Education is not the learning of many facts, but the training of the mind to think.” I strive to help each student recognize this fundamental purpose of school. Math is so much more than finding x or the area under a curve, but the understanding of how the problem-solving process will be used the rest of their lives.
I moved to Buena Vista in 2012 from Laguna Beach, California, (I like to say from one paradise to another) and besides teaching math at The Link School, I own a gallery in town featuring Native American collectibles. In my past, I have coached football and performed on stage, been a journalist and earned a degree in math, worked as a marketing manager and technical writer and sold vacuums. Currently, I enjoy singing in the Collegiate Peaks Chorale and being a part of the Buena Vista Backgammon Club. I love the journey of climbing a 14er, and being enveloped by quiet moments and stillness.
Besides starting each year sharing with Einstein’s quote mentioned above, I also start each year discussing the 17th Century polymath Rene Descartes who wrote, “Cogito, ergo sum” … “I think, therefore I am.” Recently, I learned that the quote was either amended, or made complete by Decartes and/or others, by adding “Dubitos, ergo cogito, ergo sum.” i.e., “I doubt, therefore I think, therefore I am.” It is this self-awareness that we need to grow, that we may not always be sure, that we “doubt” which gives each one of us our purpose, and that being to learn and grow.
There are as many reasons to be at Link as there have been students, teachers and staff. It is a school founded on Principle with the expectation everyone lives in accordance with that which is right. Link is understanding Mind, recognizing everyone has the inherent and limitless ability to learn and grow. Link embraces Soul, allowing everyone to express their uniqueness however they choose. Link elevates each activity with Spirit, denying the fetters of negativity and unleashing boundless potential. Link expresses Life with each and every activity, from the classroom to the river, the ski slope to mountain top. Link is governed by Truth, knowing that everyone, not only the students, teachers and staff, but everyone we meet even on the variety of trips and outings, everyone met during the weekly service projects, is someone to value. And to value each is knowing that Link is grounded on Love, expressed every moment from sharing dorm rooms, to cooking in the kitchen, to the classrooms, and all the activities, it is Love that motivates, Love that inspires, Love that blesses.
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