Luck

Aaron Urbanski lives in Carroll County, Maryland, with his wife Emily and two kids - Max and Paige. He has a poodle mix named Fezziwig. For the past almost decade and a half he's worked professionally in educational services, in roles such as registrar; corporate trainer; high school teacher; and college adjunct. We are so proud to feature Aaron, a three-time contributor to the publication, in this September issue of En Root.

Enjoy our Q+A with Aaron below, and be on the lookout for next week's blog, where we feature Aaron's other articles over the years. You can also check out his third feature in our September issue here. Happy reading!

This month's theme is all about luck. Tell us how this theme has played a role in your personal or professional life.

Sometimes finding good luck requires endless patience. I recommend asking people you respect about how they find patience and / or manage impatience. Solidarity can go a long way.

At OutGrowth, we believe in designing the space and time to reimagine the path forward. How do you think that the concept of luck (or lack thereof) causes us to think about our present and future differently?

There's a great scene in The Dark Knight (2008) where Harvey Dent helps Rachel Dawes realize the benefit of making his own luck. I think about this so much. We can purposefully shape our future by creating our own luck.

What is one hard lesson you learned in this past year that contributed to your growth?

Here are two hard lessons:

1. It is hard to trust that our existence isn't chaotic and random. Faith in the general goodness of humanity is a big ask.

2. Being carelessly creative can burn you. Be careful with how you energize your passions.

What is one competency or skill you hope to develop in 2025 and beyond?

I've been studying to pass a professional license exam, and hoping I get lucky and pass it in 2025. I've also been thinking a lot about assessment and instructional design.

What inspires you?

People who demonstrate their respect - and have tireless patience for - their friends, neighbors, and colleagues every day.

At OutGrowth, we believe in preparing the next generation of leaders. What is one resource you'd recommend to those looking to carve out the time for growth in the next year?

This will make me sound like a snob (sorry) but I've found it's fun to read Shakespeare in the 21st century. I read both King Lear and The Tempest in the past 12 months - I feel like Bill S. just gets us. You can be a masochist and read the early modern English...but plain English versions make the texts incredibly accessible.

And if you have some spare time, I recommend luxuriating in the Border Trilogy by Cormac McCarthy.

My top three podcasts right now are:

1. The Lonely Island and Seth Meyers Podcast

2. We Hate Movies

3. The Rewatchables

What's next? What are you excited about in the coming year?

I really hope Santa brings me Legos for Christmas!