Identifying my “aha” moment is difficult, for this has been my “Aha Summer.” My previous posts have described many of my new and exciting – even frightening – experiences in a variety of settings: farms, rivers, and dance floors. Every setting has been my classroom, and every person present has been my teacher.
However, my biggest challenges have been pedagogical and logistical. Figuring out WHAT IN THE WORLD MY LESSON PLANS WILL LOOK LIKE has been a test.
Then…I realized I had to think like a student – What do I need to know first about agriculture? How will I know that I have learned the most important aspects of farming in America and Duplin County? How can I distinugished between just learning about the industry and actually doing something with what I learn? Where do I go in the future? Do I create, revise…throw my hands? 
I thought my “aha” moment was when I finished my Project Plan, entitled A “Smoothie” Move – The Rhetoric of Agriculture, Small Business, and “Grape” Marketing. I could breathe a little easier. But wait! Now I had to start collecting resources, reading, thinking like a teacher again (At this point I realized I would rather be touring farm facilities than writing curriculum). Again, do I create, revise…throw my hands up?
Then…it happened. My “aha” moment was today during the KFP Site Visit. When Craig , Amneris, and Amy, along with my principal, assistant principal, and two colleagues, came to Cottle Farms, I had the opportunity become a teacher again. I realized I hadn’t memorized data, terminology….stuff. I realized I possessed content knowledge to share with students (and my peers) and the courage to let them take it and run! As I watched John Garnder, my mentor, and Whit Jones, berry and grape manager, describe Cottle Farms and Muscadine Times, I was so proud of “my farm.” I watched the nods, the smiles, the expressions of wonder – I felt like I was a part of something really meaningful. Instead of being an onlooker, I realize I am now a participant; I have ownership of my project, and I can talk about my experience as a Kenan Fellow with confidence. This is how I want my students to feel – AHA!!!! 
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Amy,
I always enjoy reading your blog posts. Thank you for always including interesting and beautiful pictures!
I loved the way you expressed your evolution at your externship. It reminded me of the importance of allowing students to talk to each other about what they’ve learned in order to build their own individual knowledge base. Your “aha” moment is what we all want for our students. It’s sometime difficult to figure out all the various paths in which to make that happen.
I would be very interested in learning more about your “Smoothie” curriculum for my teachers at Fuquay-Varina Elementary school. What a fun and creative name!
I’m working on curriculum to teach financial literacy and global awareness. World trade in economics relates to both my focuses. I’m wondering if your farm sells their products outside of the US.
Rene,
I’m not sure about the sale of products to other countries, but Cottle Farms does have growers in other countries (Canada, Chile, Argentina). The smoothie hasn’t been in prodcution yet…Hopefully by the middle of August!
Great post and wonderful pictures! It was a pleasure meeting with you yesterday and getting the opportunity to see inside the work you’ve been doing these past few weeks.
Cheers!
Amneris