Yesterday, I shared in chapel on the elementary campus — and since it was my first time sharing, I introduced myself and asked if anyone knew what my job was on campus.
One 3rd grader raised his hands and said “I think you are the Mechanic”. I laughed with him — paused for a moment to reflect — and then said “well, yes, that is kind of correct.” And we went on.
And I continued to think about this during the day — and realized, it is quite a correct summation of what I do.
Like a Mechanic, my job is not to tell the customer to get rid of their car…..my job is to help them keep it running well, efficiently, safely — in this case….their car equals their classroom.
- Like a Mechanic, my job — FIRST — is to listen and observe. Walk around the classroom, notice what is going on, look under the hood, take it for test drive, check levels…..etc. A mechanic KNOWS what should be right — and listens and observes to see what might be off — or needs to be “tuned-up”.
- Then my job is to diagnose what might not be working correctly. Hopefully, I have current tools/gadgets to make a correct and accurate diagnosis.
- After that, my job is to discuss options with the customer (in this case — teacher) to see what options THEY wish to go for. I can make all the recommendations I wish — but it is ALWAYS their decision on which direction to go or even to dismiss anything I say and continue on with what they had originally had.”
- Once we have agreed on how to proceed, I need to do my best to provide the best answers to their situation. Not use cheap parts — in this case, making sure I don’t just quickly send them to what the “crowd” has said is a “helpful site” “app” or book to read, blog to read, twitterer to follow….but really researching ideas so that what I present is the RIGHT FIT.
- Part of my job also includes regular service — to make sure all is running well still. So that little problems or situations do not become BIG situations. So checking back occasionally to see if all is well.
- Finally my job is to make sure they are pleased with the final results. Is their classroom running more smoothly, did the fix “fix” the problem/situation they were having, is everything better or do we need to look at the situation again.
As I have stated many times before in my posts — I am NOT the technology coordinator on my campus…we don’t have one. My job is IT/Help Desk…….and yesterday helped me realize a mechanic is exactly what I am. I wait for the teachers to come to me to help. And when they do, I am ready, eager, and will have correct, current, and effective answers and help for them.
I am a TECHANIC.
Jen
