During my first blog post I anticipated that the most valuable reward of my Kenan experience would be the relationships forged with my fellow fellows.  I feel like this is all I have written about lately, but it’s the truth!  When I began the Kenan Fellows Program I had just finished my “Beginning Teacher” stint.  Prior to Kenan Fellows I felt like I was just a 2^nd grade teacher – doing what I had to do to survive in this difficult, yet extraordinarily rewarding profession.  Through the connections I made during my Kenan Fellowship I believe I have transformed from a teacher to an education professional.

Much of this transformation I attribute to the people I met through the fellowship.  My mentor and fellow fellows taught me so much about how to be an advocate for education, not just a teacher.  Our mentor’s vision for us and for our project was huge, but I think that we delivered!  Through her mentoring she taught us how to fight the good fight and keep what is best for children at the center of all that we do.  I will carry these lessons with me for my entire education career.