Did I grow as I had hoped? Sitting at the computer more and more each day I am expanding. Each day I seem to cover more and more of the seat cushion. I doubt you are referring to that type of growth but my computer and I have certainly created a more sedentary lifestyle together.

Professional and personal growth is impossible. Is it not? Or am I just optimistic that all people are continually growing and improving with age?

I didn’t have a clear idea of how this internship would impact me. That said, as time goes on, the experiences and learnings gleaned stand out more and more. It is like a nice luster that has begun to shine with use and time. It is hard to appreciate the value of many things at first. When I hear myself tell others on more than one occasion about the awesome classroom activities some of my Kenan peers have shared, I see how the internship has impacted me. How many people have I told about the amazing Christie Wilson who teaches engineering to her kindergartners!  Then she teaches them writing and reading based on these shared experiences. I was so impressed with Kalyani Tawade’s insightful comments on what it takes to create the best competitive team for Odyssey of the Mind-type competitions. In the long run, it is the people who make the difference, that you remember.

When I remember or use a tech tool that was taught in that overwhelming barrage of incredible tech PD at Cullowhee, I am reminded of the importance of what I have been exposed to.  When I can use Socrative with ease, I remember Joni. When I spout the importance of coding skills for young children, I remember…. ??? I think of Paul Cansellari when I think of Evernote. He even helped me out months later when I had a question. I can’t forget Jason Lineberger who taught us Aris, etc. Gaming in Education is certainly a new avenue under exploration. His ‘office hours’ gave me the change to ask questions that only I was interested in. Very nice to be so spoiled. Nate Vance taught us about infograms and then I began seeing them everywhere. 

At the July PD in Raleigh we were inspired to apply for grants and more grants. Best of all, we heard from Kenan alum Amy Bradley who admitted she didn’t make all the deadlines (and she was invited back to speak to us!). My hero. I think of her as each month’s deadlines come near. Maybe you don’t have to be perfect to grow, improve and prosper.

The October PD in Raleigh was so impressive. The Hunt Library! It is a new buzz word and we got to experience it personally and more than once. I saw 3-D printing there for the first time. Kelly Hines told us all about Discovery Ed. It was so cool to run into her at NCTIES because she is so active in DEN that she knows all sorts of peeps in my county. Meeting with Eric Guckian from the governor’s office, with Einstein fellows, with a writer of what has become the NCEES put us in contact with people who have and will shape education and public policy. Was that amazing! And René Herrick was chosen to join the governor’s teacher advisory group. Bravo. How impressive is that!

Of course, I will never take another rafting trip without smiling. It was great having the nerve to jump off the rock in the river with Sue DePerno. When Kimberly Forbes, Lisa and a the literal ‘boatload’ of people feel from their rafts it gave us all something to talk about. That said, there must be something profound to be said about coming up soaking wet from a river dipping, drying off and moving on.

How did the fellowship impact me? It was the shot in the arm I needed. It was the repositioning on the career GPS. It was the back brace to stand taller and aim higher. I am glad that last May we heard the history of the Kenan family’s charitable works and belief in education. In the current political situation in North Carolina, it is inspiring to know that an organization exists to improve teaching and to retain teachers. We fellows are fortunate to have the current Kenan Fellows Program staff working to improve educators and education.

I give a special shout out to my Home Base buddies who unequivocally supported and inspired me in this journey. The world is a large, impersonal place. It was good to feel welcome at Home Base.

Thank you Kenan supporters. Thank you Kenan staff. Thank you Kenan fellows.  Thank you DPI mentors. Thank you Home Base buddies. You have all inspired me. You have been great role models. Thank you for walking with me, for leading me, for pushing me and for sharing many new experiences together.

Kimberly Sanderling wrote in her blog, “The best way a mentor can prepare another leader is to expose him or her to other great people.” John  C. Maxwell You have all been my mentors.