On shortcuts in life, as well as in learning
A year ago, in February 2019, I realized another online teacher had taken several phrases from my Voice Your Greek program (then Greek Recorder) , had changed them a bit and sold the program as her own unique idea.
I also realized this teacher was in the same online teacher group I was in, having access to my ideas and comments not just from my website, but also in a closed forum.
I felt appalled. The idea of copying someone’s ideas and words and presenting them as your own to earn money is something I never even imagined doing.
So much so, I even go ahead and ask people I already know, if it’s okay to embed their YouTube videos to my blog posts with their brand name, website link and anything that gives them credit for their work. If they don’t reply or say no, I simply don’t do it.
I decided to do nothing, though. I thought she’d stop. Deep down, I hoped she’d find her own voice and stop copycatting. How can someone feel okay with themselves, doing this?
But I was wrong. I just found out she named her paid group after my 4 - week online Greek speaking program “Greek Speaking Hub”.
The funny thing is, this name is close to my heart. It didn’t come as a “fancy” or “catchy” name. It came as a name to a program I created to help a dear student of mine, with whom we eventually became friends.
It was in October 2018 that I asked my student if a different, more creative approach would fit her needs. She was already taking intensive lessons and wanted a more targeted speaking boost. Thus the Greek Speaking Hub was created. Every time I offer it again, I cannot but think of her and her immense love for the Greek language and culture, for the beautiful Greek landscapes she keeps visiting for years.
Which takes me to today. Seeing my work of years being treated like that by a young teacher, doesn’t make me feel happy or proud, as someone told me. I don’t care if she likes or admires my work, because the way she’s doing this is not OK with my life, work & teaching values.
Because I simply don’t believe in shortcuts in life, as I don’t believe in shortcuts in learning.
And this is why today I eventually decided to speak out and write about it.
How can I ask my students to appreciate a slow - but steady - learning process with their Greek, to keep being patient, to practice one step at a time, to know that their hard work is being appreciated and will pay off, when my own work is being used as a shortcut to someone’s else’s success and money earning? How can I be OK with this?
So, with this article I’m also taking the time to acknowledge the wonderful community of learners who have subscribed to the newsletter, read this blog, taken part in my lessons and programs and followed me on social media throughout the years with a clear intention in mind: to keep speaking Greek, the language of their heart.
Your hard work, your patience, your authenticity, your persistence, your boldness to learn and improve your Greek speaking are things I don’t take for granted; They matter to me and I’m always thankful for them. If you’ve also read my own story here, you know why.
And this is also why these values are aligned to mine, in every step of your Greek language journey and beyond. No copycatting of that can happen.
Thank you for learning with me,
~ Danae
NOTE: As for the teacher who believes that copycatting will bring anything positive to her work or her students: I just keep wishing you use your energy to find your own voice and help with honesty the people you say you want to help.
