When I looked at this topic, I, quite frankly, smiled.  This is just the opposite of the groan that occurred when I first found out about the blog I was to keep during the fellowship.  Now, I enjoy writing some of my thoughts for the prompts.  I plan to continue with this blog but need to put it on a calendar so I do not forget when life gets busy.  I have kept my blog simple but may try some of the extras during the summer.  I found the blog was a great place to put my journal of the fellowship experience at Mertek.  It was a place to store my thoughts, observations and ideas.  Even though I am a Technology teacher, I often shy away from computer technology since it takes time and I am self taught.  Tasks like keeping a blog and posting images to pages and using apps working less daunting to me since extending myself with the Kenan Fellowship.  All I can say after this experience is:  Blog On!

Oh the growth!  When I applied to become a Kenan Fellow, I was stepping out of my box.  I often write that in letters of recommendation for my students going to college.  I did not realize how many new adventures and dynamic people I would actually encounter.  The growth is not just about the teaching, it is about you as an individual and professional.  The opportunities presented to the Kenan Fellow are too many to count, but one of the best is working with your Cohort and getting to know them.  When we had our last gathering, I was explaining to a mentor the cohort, when together, would spend about 10 minutes discussing family, friends, location and what subject is taught, and then boom–it was all about the work, technique and especially the students.  Such PASSION! Even though I have planned lessons, written curriculum and learned to reflect as a NBCT, I realize when looking at my first blog entries just how much more I have grown as a person, teacher, leader and mentor.  By the way, I was told yesterday that my mentee mentioned in the earlier post is growing too; she is expecting.