Asking for Help

So, I hit a point yesterday evening when I didn't know what to do next with the sprinkler valves. Was I doing it correctly? What was I missing? What did I need to do next? I wanted feedback. Not just "consequences of my mistakes" feedback, but real feedback from an expert. I wanted someone to ask me questions and guide me through my process. I wanted someone to empathize with my frustration. I wanted feedback from a person and not a YouTube video. So, I called my dad. I didn't want to at first. His knees are bad and he's got a busy schedule. But it's more than that. I wanted to do it on my own. I wanted to prove that I didn't need anyone to show me how to change sprinkler valves. There was a certain level of machismo to it. I didn't want to look like less of a man. But I'm glad that I asked. My dad spent this morning with me, walking me through what I needed to do. He gave me just enough help to keep me from giving up. He told me that he had to learn it through trial and error and a few cuss words mixed in, until he would hit a point when he had to ask someone at the sprinkler shop for advice. I'm struck by the humility required in the teacher-student relationship. It's hard to ask for help, especially if it's something that "you should be able to get by now." And again, I feel honored that my students have trusted me to teach them.