As I was absorbing my new books on the back porch in my hammock on Sunday, my pre-expedition documents arrived! This was yet another moment where I had to almost pinch myself. This is really happening.... I can't help but reflect on how incredibly grateful I am for this opportunity.
I have been surrounded by supportive, knowledgeable and caring educators/colleagues throughout my 17 year career. These people work so hard for each other and students day in and day out despite how tough the job is because at the end of the day, we love what we do....even on the days we don't, we still do. Today, an act of kindness and selflessness, reminded me of how wonderful my colleagues are. As I prepare to take on the Arctic, I worry about getting it right. I have so many thoughts on science experiments, long-term projects once I get back, virtual footage to create a VR experience for my students, learning how to use my fancy camera....that I've had for years but never learned more than how to point and auto focus........because I just can't miss that shot of the NARWHAL! --I'd be my 6 year old daughters' hero if I snapped a shot of the "unicorn of the sea"! As I checked my email this evening I was set aback by a Google Slide deck that was created by one of my colleagues (with simple terms and pictures!) to help me with my anxiety of getting the right shot. Though they'd likely prefer to remain nameless, I feel it only right to at least speak of my immense gratitude towards the thought that they'd take the time to put something together during one of the busiest weeks of the year for educators. I was immediately reminded of something another friend posted on Twitter earlier today about "partnerships, togetherness, that's what makes the world a better place." No truer words. Today I was reminded that this journey I'm taking is not mine alone, I'll take my friends, colleagues and students with me to the Arctic, with them in mind I'll come back with life changing experiences and knowledge that all can benefit from. I'm reminded also of how wonderful my job is, how amazingly selfless my colleagues are and how educators as a whole are natural givers, supporters and cheerleaders of others. We grow people and we grow each other.
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As I sit here in my classroom, I'm looking at a to-do list that feels a million miles long. This time of year, every teacher I know has one that looks just like mine so I know I'll get no sympathy from them. We all work so hard every day to bring our best to the classroom but let's face it, in May, the struggle is real....so it's not just the kiddos having a hard time getting up in the morning, trust me.
But today I'm pondering the excitement of what some of my fellow GTF (Grosvenor Teacher Fellows) must be going through today/tonight as they prepare for their expedition. Some of them are leaving TOMORROW and that seems to be giving me anxiety(or excitement) and I've still got 2 months before my trip. I'm excited for them for so many reasons. 1) We all know what an opportunity this is for us as educators and we all hoping we come back with some amazing ideas and things for our students to dive into. And the brain trust in our group is really earth shattering and very hopeful, knowing that these kinds of teachers are out there really pouring into what they do and doing amazing things with their classrooms. 2) I don't think they'll sleep tonight....I mean, just the unknown alone will keep them awake tonight, kind of like the night before school...I'm always excited about the first day of school....and the last..hahaha . 3) I'd be nervous, talking to all the experts about all their adventures, what they've seen, where they've been....but also excited to get to talk to them and experience their adventures through them. I'm so excited for my GTFs and I plan to follow them as much as I can and learn from them as they navigate this amazing experience. I still have a lot of work to do. Between learning how to capture 360 video footage and operating my own camera as well as biology experiments and water samples to collect, I've got some planning to do. And I've started those books, but I'll be honest, I'll breeze right through them as soon as I get my students through AP season....one more week. I'm thankful I don't depart until June, gives me a little breathing room...not much, but enough to get it all together to enjoy and be totally present for this experience of a lifetime. |