After starting a new job recently, I'm reminded how much I have yet to learn. One of my favorite teachers, who is also one of the smartest people I've ever met, would laugh when I told him how smart he is. He would always say "the more I learn the dumber I feel." Even the smartest of us have much we could learn, and much we will learn every day. My slogan is that the best teacher of any form of knowledge is living life.
I've always been someone who's more book smart than street smart. My friends and family like to tease me sometimes when I have to think or ask questions about simple things. I laugh along with them because I like to laugh at myself, and I'm fine with the fact that I'm a true blonde sometimes.
Starting a new job is always scary for me because I'm often insecure. I've never had a lot of confidence doing new things. I'm a very routine type of person when it comes to work or school, so even driving to a new place makes me nervous.
Fortunately, I work with a lot of very kind, helpful people who realize I'm young and inexperienced and are very good teachers. Any time someone new trains me, I tell them to treat me like I've never worked a day there, because I like to get as much knowledge from them as possible. Sometimes it's good to play dumb around someone who's smart or very skillful, so they can teach you an even better way to do things. No matter how smart someone is, it always helps to learn from someone well experienced. Life situations often don't follow the ideal circumstances in a textbook.
Another quote I really like is, "Everyone is ignorant, just on different topics." This is also very true. There are many different types of geniuses, from artists to neuroscientists. Everyone has their own expertise.
No matter what, always remember you can be just as good at a job as you wish. It may not be today, but there's always room for improvement, and one day, you may even surprise yourself. Always strive for the best version of you.
