Week 9 Term 2 - Understanding the assignment

MEME: an image, video, piece of text, etc., typically humorous in nature, that is copied and spread rapidly by internet users, often with slight variations.

Social media platforms have always been a place for people to share their thoughts and opinions. Twitter in particular has become an avenue for people from all walks of life to create, share, celebrate and drag their opinions, thoughts and jokes online. I have been on Twitter since 2011. Initially I joined because at the time it was the in thing to do. I found out quickly that the crux of Twitter is to share or voice your thoughts in 150 characters. This is a hard thing to do, especially for someone like me who enjoys writing. I was and still am fascinated by Twitter culture. It is interesting to read, scroll and troll through everyone's thoughts (in real time) on current events, gossip - everything! Former President of the USA, Donald Trump, used Twitter as a vehicle to voice his distrust with the 2020 US Elections, his 150 character tweets would go viral and would reach out to his followers and those who disliked him. This culture of creating content, whether it is meaningful or not, and using social media as way to reach an audience without a middleman (an agent or talent agency) from the comfort of your own home is a phenomenon in itself. Flash mobs, memes, YouTube tutorials, reaction videos - the different layers to creating content and going 'viral' (whether it is intentional or not) is part of our 'new normal' and it is something that we are exposed to daily. 

One of the top 50 memes of 2013. 

Memes are funny. Memes can literally represent or sum up someone's situation in a few words with a one image. Memes are not only visually powerful but the texts that accompanying hold the same impact. A meme that I have come across on Twitter that I love is They always understand the assignment. Knowyourmeme.com clarifies the origin and definition as "They Always Understand the Assignment is a catchphrase that, when paired with images of an actor or an actress in their various roles, is used as a way of complimenting their acting skill and range. Originating from a viral tweet, the meme and phrasal template gained popularity in March and April 2021, mainly on Twitter." Since it's inception, They always understand the assignment, is a catchphrase that has become a response to anyone and everyone - celebrities, musicians, athletes - anyone who has achieved or done something well (the degree of the accomplishment is varied as well). It is an affirmation and encouragement for getting the job done. As it is with internet language, one can use a meme in any light and the way you can twist it to fit your situation is up to you. 

Popular meme/catchphrase 'They always understand the assignment' from Twitter 2021

REPRIORITIZE: To rearrange (items) to be dealt with in order of importance; to re-establish priorities for (a set of items). Also euphemistic: to give less priority to (an item) as a result of this.

When it comes to my job, my career - I understand what my 'assignment' is. I am grateful for this in that it gives me a sense of focus, clarity, purpose - it grounds me. How I approach my 'assignment' is one where I invest, like my colleagues - our time, effort, commitment and heart is all part of our investment when it comes to our 'assignment'. The 'assignment' being to teach, to work with students, to create opportunities in education and to expose students to new learning. Sounds daunting, feels overwhelming, seems too big to fulfill - this 'assignment' for me is something that I feel comfortable with. What I have learnt lately is that in my understanding of my 'assignment' and trying to fulfill, I have not prioritize myself - which in the scheme of things is the most important part understanding my 'assignment' - me. 

Understanding my assignment - now - means that I need to assign time to regroup and reprioritize for myself. I have spent the last two weeks going through the priority matrix with my students - what do they to do now? Do next? Do it if or when there is time? Don't do it at all. It has been a great exercise as my students can map out and see where their priorities sit. I need to do to this, one of the causes of stress for me is not having a routine or having nothing to work towards. I think that I have become engrossed in making sure other people meet their goals that I have neglected mine in the process. I am going to start the process to regain and reclaim my priorities and make sure that this aligns with my assignment. Talk to someone, write about it, take a break - breathe - I look forward to reflecting on this.