What's In a Title?

Do you have a title associated with your name? If so, how does it make you feel? What did it take to get that title? How many hours did you spend earning your title? Was it worth it? Think about these questions as you proceed through this blog entry.

About five years ago, I thought obtaining a title was the thing to do. Think about it. Medical doctors have a prestigious title as do professors, attorneys, etc. When I saw a title attached to someone's name, I thought that person had more value to society than someone who didn't have a title.

Five years later, I now have a title. In the classroom, my students refer to me as professor. Does it feel good? Yes! I couldn't imagine not being in the classroom with my students. Without my M.A., I could not legally teach at the college level (unless I was a Graduate Assistant). Even though it feels good to be called Professor, I inform my students that they can refer to me as Ms., Miss., or even by my first name (I know some wouldn't agree with this.). Why would I let my students call me a title that is not "professor"? It's simple. I don't associate my worth with my title.

I have learned much about titles within the past few years. Below are the lessons:
-A title is simply a title. A title can get a person employed.
-A title doesn't necessarily prove one's abilities and capabilities. Any field has good and bad professors, good and bad medical doctors, good and bad managers, etc.

Having a title is nice. Without it, I could not teach. However, I don't define myself by it nor do I expect to be treated different from someone else who does not have it. I attended a meeting today. The gentleman made the comment that he now should refer to me as professor. I told him to refer to me by my first name. When I go to bed at night, I don't think about me in regard to my profession. I think about my character and the qualities that make me unique. When the day ends, I will always know what I went through and how much time I've dedicated to the academy. The lessons and challenges I've faced thus far have helped to shape who I am and how I see my worth, not the title associated with my name.