Kira Carpenter Gray

Background

About Kira Carpenter Gray

Often I have identified myself by my work or as a mom, however I now realize that is most authentic to define myself based on my highest character trait: Remaining Teachable. teachable adjective teach·​able |\ ˈtē-chə-bəl \ 1a: capable of being taught b: apt and willing to learn I was brought up an only child in a comfortable, upper middle-class lifestyle. Heck, my parents have been married over fifty years and I am the only child! This was the perfect breeding ground for confidence, success, and possibility. So.what happened? I was sent home from the first university I attended, having only attained a.67 GPA. I had to begin working to support myself and continue my education at community college. I constantly strived to be perfect and judged my worth based on other people. I was an awkward combination of high intellect mixed with emotional hot-messiness. Arrogant and ashamed. I always took the long road and the hardest path in order to learn life’s lessons. I was the child of parents who wanted to spare me the pains they suffered through during their childhoods. Well meaning in most ways, this left me vulnerable when it came time for me to experience the complications that life provides. Of every gift, opportunity, and advantage I was given, their greatest was that of Teachability. Without realizing how valuable this skill would become, my parents modeled their willingness to admit fears, weakness, compassion, and patience. Most importantly, they taught me the ability to be self aware. Teachability is defined by John Maxwell on his website, johnmaxwell.com. “Teachability is not so much about competence and mental capacity as it is about attitude. It is the desire to listen, learn, and apply. It is the hunger to discover and grow. It is the willingness to learn, unlearn, and relearn.” The first time I heard the word “Teachable” defined, I was able to put a name to a skill that I endeavored to maintain my entire life. I thank my folks for raising me to be self aware, to enjoy education, and practice tolerance and compassion. Teachability led me to become a teacher, a lifelong learner, a parent, and an advocate. I hope that my three children will remain teachable throughout their lives. I don;t hope-I know they will. I see them in teachable positions every day.