Near Death in the Mountains - My Path to Becoming a Better Teacher

Near Death in the Mountains - My Path to Becoming a Better Teacher

Michael Blodgett

Nara Medical University

In March 2014, I nearly died. I hiked up to the temple atop Mt. Omine, one of the most sacred mountains in Nara, to pray for the healthy birth of my 2nd daughter. On my descent, I slipped and fell in the deep snow. Far from the trail, I became lost. I survived in the mountains for seven days. Miraculously, on the seventh day, I clawed my way back up to the snowy peak and found a path down to the village where my pregnant wife and 3-year-old daughter were waiting. This experience completely changed me and the trajectory of my life's path.

In the video, I share the detailed story of what happened and how it has transformed me into the teacher I am today. Furthermore, I describe how I incorporate the lessons that I have learned in the mountains into lessons in the classroom. I go on to illustrate how I build strong bonds with my students, and even better, motivate them by incorporating storytelling into both classroom activities and our interactions.

I also hope this narrative inspires others who may sometimes feel fatigued as they navigate the peaks and valleys of academia, especially during these past two years dealing with the pandemic.