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One of the questions that I get during my more informal classes is if a teacher should further his or her studies. This may vary according to country. In my country, a teacher is qualified to teach with a Degree in education. There are opportunities for a teacher to continue on to their Master's degree or even their Doctorate in their field of expertise. However, many often do not further their education. I know that many are many reasons, family and finances being the two biggest challenges that most face. 

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I have been fortunate enough to be sponsored to study my Doctorate degree. I have a family and while finances is not an issue, I had to work and study part time for my Master's degree. At this point, it may seem like a rather bad idea to even consider furthering one's study. A few common questions are:

<center> i) Why study when you are already working?</center>
 
<center>ii) Why study more when teaching is acquired through experience?</center>
<center>iii) Why not pursue something else?</center>




Those are all very valid questions. While I don't claim that my way is best, I do tell my students why I would even consider putting myself through the agony of studying again. Yes, it is agonizing, contrary to popular belief, some of us teachers don't like to study. No, my hobby is not grading papers, I prefer my Xbox, thank you very much. I would rather spend my days with my children instead of writing a long research on something that sound like Latin. However, I do so with a few reasons:

### **Lead by example**

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Many of my students in school and in University find that the journey of a PhD student is like the journey to being a Jedi master. It is as if that it is treacherous path filled with dangers and magic. Some even say that surviving it all is rare, often claiming that the real acronym of PhD is not Doctor of Philosophy but Permanent Head Damage. However, I took up the challenge because I felt that if I wanted to inspire my teacher trainees to strive for excellence, I should start by being the best. 

Don't get me wrong, not having a PhD does not make you any less of a great teacher. However, many in my field look highly upon that qualification. I know, it can be rather shallow, but first impressions are important. I would prefer a teacher is measured by the experience and achievements. Sadly, they see first, the paper qualification before the real world qualification. Thus, I took up the challenge, hoping that my teacher trainees will one day do the same, not to be great on paper, but to be great teachers on paper and in real life as well. 

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I can't tell my students to do something that I have not done. Thus, I hope to tell them that if I can do it, so can you.

### **Complain or be the change**
The other issue is something that plagues many of us teachers. There are times where we would comment critically on the lack of infrastructure, we will debate about the lack of funding, lament on our students' results and reflect on some of our superior's choices. Ok, we complain. Well, at least I do. There comes a time where you would say, you know what? I can do better. 

However, doing better often requires a certain level of qualification. That's where the PhD comes in handy. I aim to be the change that I so complain about. I look to improve on my predecessor's mistakes. I hope that the change I bring one day is positive and that many, not just the students will benefit from it. I would try, or I may just end up like Harvey Dent in the Dark Knight: 

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### **Conclusion**
Ok, that got dark really quick. Let's wrap this up on a positive note. Studying is just my way of doing better and striving for excellence. I don't think that I am any better than my colleagues and comrades in teaching. Excellence is measured by many things and paper qualification is one of them, but not the best measure. Respect has to be earned, no matter what title I may hold. In fact, when some jokingly called me Doctor, I stop them. You see, when the day comes where I obtain my PhD scroll, I know it is customary to call me Doctor. 

However, I will not allow it, you can address me as 'Lord Commander' or 'Alvin'. Personally, I prefer Alvin, but if you insist on calling me Lord Commander, have it your way. But if you call me Doctor....

<center>Winter is coming for you</center>

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