CSU

Today was a unique opportunity to visit Central State University. And it was an AMAZING trip to say the least. We heard from two amazing speakers today Dr. Moses and Dr. Jeter. They were both very inspirational, but in very different ways. Additionally Mike and Christian, two of the student teachers that we met today, shared thier experiences with us and now we are striving to make collaborative events with the education students of CSU and Block students. All in all it was a FANTASTIC day!!!!

Here are some quotes spoken today that were of great inspiration to me:

"Weeds in the classroom are just flowers that need a lot of attention." Dr. Jeters

"Nothing is so sophisticated that it cannot be made simple by hard work." Dr. Moses

"Attitude is your mental position. If your mental posture is not correct, you feel as though the weigh is going to kill you." Dr. Moses

Leadership

To lead is to live dangerously because when leadership counts, when you lead people through difficult change, you challenge what people hold dear--- their daily habits, tools, loyalties, and ways of thinking--- with nothing more to offer perhaps than a possibility. Moreover, leadership often means exceeding the authority you are given to tackle the challenge at hand. People push back when you disturb the personal and institutional equilibrium they know. And people resist in all kinds or creative and unexpected ways that can get you taken out of the game: push aside, undermine or eliminated.
                                       Leadership on the Line--Staying Alive through the Dangers of Leading      
                                                                                                            Ronald Heifetz & Marty Linsky

While trying to de-stress from a terrible day yesterday I sat down to go to bed and picked up the aforementioned book and began to read. And, while I really should have been doing other things, there must have been a reason that I decided to start reading. Then when I reached page 2, I discovered it. This excerpt says it all. Through my time as a leader and teacher I will live dangerously. But more importantly, it is how I will deal with the danger that comes my way that will determine my success and ultimately the success of my future students. So I am challenging myself, and everyone else to live dangerously, push harder, and be a good leader, mentor, and educator.

"Take a Deep Breath"

It has become painfully clear that school can be overwhelming sometimes, well, most of the time. It is a constant struggle to find the balance between what you want to do and what you should do. But, it is with the aid of peers, faculty and family that I have been able to make it through every battle that has come my way. Yes, I may get emotional and hysterical, but by taking a deep breath and thinking through my options I am able to come to a rational decision. And, eventually the choices become easier and easier as the things that I want to do become the things that I should do. Which I believe is a step in the right direction.

"Take Home Today and Use Tomorrow"

What a unique opportunity that I was provided with late last week. Myself along with the members of the Block made a trip to Green County Career Center in which we spent two days. During our time there we met many phenomenal educators who truly inspired us to continue in our educational experiences.

I loved being able to see a different side of education. Having come from a comprehensive high school I never truly experienced that wonder of what a career technical education can provide for students. All of the high schoolers at GCCC had a passion for their education. Not only that, but they are being provided with a plethora of opportunities to advance in their fields of interest.

Because of this experience I have seen first hand that benefits of career technical education. I have also been given the tools and resources to enhance my teaching. The information sessions that were provided by the career center were very helpful in understanding how a  school system operates; everything from interviewing to everyday teaching to testing, there is so much to understand. But, know I can say that I have tools that will help me through my teaching experiences and I am very blessed to have had this opportunity.

Weekend Adventures

It is always great when you gain new expereinces. This weekend I was blessed with the opportunity to share Friday and Saturday with my fellow '11 Block memebers. We had our first bonding experience at the wonderful FFA Camp Muskingum. It was a weekend full of fun while still learning a great deal. I could not have asked for a better experience and cannot wait to do it again at Green County Career Center later this week.