AIRED: July 5, 2021
SPECIAL GUEST: Paul Otis
Whether we remember them or not, we have all had an “aha” moment, a time when things just clicked or we finally understand something of importance to our lives. Maybe it was as simple as a math problem, perhaps it was when we made big decisions such as where to go to college or what career to pursue. Regardless of how it came about, everyone has had an “aha” moment that has shaped our lives.
Anyone who has worked with adolescents knows that they often become lost when they are not motivated towards meeting personal goals.
Paul Otis, Associate Head of School and Science Teacher at Lake Tahoe Preparatory School, explains, “Many times, those of us who are in the educational trenches, come across students who have experienced an “aha” moment. As a result, we observed them transition from a negative mindset to a positive self-direction one.”
He continued, “Our staff began noticing these changes in our students after an obvious “aha” moment has occurred. We began discussing when that moment might have occurred. Did that moment happen in a therapy session, or when they learned a new skill or tried a new activity? Could it have been the time that they start their first bow drill fire in the Wilderness or when they realize that for the first time they can actually do well in their classes?”
In our interview, Paul shares how those questions resulted in their own “aha” moment as a group. Rather than leaving it to chance, perhaps they could develop ways to more intentionally promote these moments of epiphany in our students. The outcome was the implementation of an interdisciplinary and holistic approach to promote student self-actualization, increase personal self-efficacy, and help them discover their life’s direction.
In summarizing the approach, Paul tells us they began looking at how even the most basic of daily interactions could foster these moments of self-discovery, as well as being aware of what may limit them. With continued mindfulness as a key factor, they set out to work diligently to stay “present” with their individual students, so they and the student could identify an “aha” moment when it happens, as well as learn to recreate similar moments in the future.
ABOUT PAUL OTIS
Associate Head of School & Science Teacher
Over the past fifteen years, Paul has worked as a science teacher and school administrator. Paul has a passion for providing students with inquisitive experiences that allow them to experience science first-hand. As an avid rock climber, trail runner, and skier, he enjoys exercising in the outdoors and sharing his love of outdoor sports with students. Paul is the Associate Head of School at Lake Tahoe Preparatory School, a college preparatory boarding school located near Lake Tahoe in California. Through his role at Lake Tahoe Prep, Paul has been able to use his experience as a teacher and mentor to help teenagers on their life’s journey. Paul lives with his wife, Julie, their son Aaron and daughter Amy on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe in California.
