When I first learned that I had been selected to be a Kenan Fellow, I was both excited and anxious! I always get nervous before I start a new challenge. Being a Kenan Fellow certainly qualifies as a challenge. I love new challenges because it helps get the creativity flowing again. Sometimes I get to bogged down in the paperwork and I forget what it is like to be creative.
I am meeting mentor this week. He works with Biogen, Idec in the Culture Cell Development Department. I have to admit I did a lot of research to determine what Biogen does and what Culture Cell Development meant. Mr. Osborne, my mentor, has set up meetings with several other employees to discuss the different functions of the department. I am looking forward to spending a few weeks working on a curriculum unit that will involve scientists from Biogen. I believe that the best way for our students to be prepared for the 21st century is to involve the community in their educational process. We need to have scientists and others come into the classroom not just as a guest lecturer but also as a teacher. Teachers, scientists, & students can all learn from each other.
So, now that the school year is winding down, I am extremely excited to embark on this new challenge!