Speaking the Truth: An Exercise Physiologist’s Perspective

In the world of academia, it is important that faculty members speak the truth. In fact, it is critical to their integrity and that of the educational process. But, unfortunately, the context of “what is academia” versus “what we think it is” is significantly different from one semester to the next. What seems to drive “what is true today” is a colleague’s personal agenda or it could be nothing more than gossip.

The majority of new faculty members become so overwhelmed and confused by what they thought was an academic position with a certain freedoms and expectations to think creatively and/or to grow as critical thinkers that they have become guilty of saying, “Whatever, tell me what you want me to do”. More often than not, even if they wanted to disagree with a colleague’s thinking, they would not voice an opinion out loud. Why, no one wants to be put in his or her place. No one likes criticism and yet, how can a person be authentic without speaking from the heart?

Speaking the truth is necessary if we are going to be ourselves, that is, unless we are more like them than what we thought we were. So, think about it, being assertive and passionate about a topic may be exactly what you should be.  For example, if you believe academic exercise physiologists should be members of the American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP), then forget the small talk and tell whomever (perhaps, the department chair) what you are thinking. After all, you are no longer a student who is more often than not taught to sit and listen (which in itself is questionable). The truth is your presence in the department helps in securing certain rights and expectations.

College teaching should be about an ever-changing way of thinking and doing. So, next time the topic comes up, why not speak truthfully about ASEP or something else close to your heart? There should be no reason for you to be afraid to share your thoughts about professionalism, code of ethics, accreditation, and standards of practice among colleagues and in class with your students. There are probably other teachers and/or students who need your strength to speak up and to take a sincere and honest moment to ask, “Why aren’t we supporting ASEP like the PTs support APTA?”

Whether you are a teacher or a student, you have the right to be yourself. So, next time you feel compelled to speak up, do so and do not be afraid to share your thoughts. It may very well be that other faculty members and/or students may have the same feelings. They may in fact be even more passionate than you about some topics, but they are too afraid to speak up. At times, which may be more often than we think, it is important to share an idea or an observation. By doing so, you may be helping others to share their thoughts and/or different points of view as well.