Go Out & Happen to things....

It had long since
come to my attention
that people of accomplishment
rarely sat back and
let things happen
to them.

They went out and
happened to things.

-Leonardo Da Vinci

Just as constant as the sunset and sunrise or the push and pull of the tides, another school year has ended and the time for reflection and rejuvenation of summer is beginning.  At this point last year, I was finishing one adventure and headed out for another….at Spring Hill College.  I had no idea what was in store for me. 

This past year at SHC has been a wonderful first chapter, and the reason is connected to my students.  In the beginning they were quiet, and they sat cautiously in class trying to figure out my teaching style.  I challenged them on many levels, and transformed many traditional assignments.  Some of them were nervous; some were excited.  But everyone – everyone – surpassed my expectations. 

I congratulate my graduating students, and I look forward to seeing them in another life as they become teachers.  I will so enjoy celebrating their successes along the way.

Then I realized this week as I talked with my students during their final exams week and prep for graduation, that I am teaching at a school where I can connect with my students and move them forward – move them toward becoming the type of teachers they’ve idolized. 

I know that my SHC preservice teachers will achieve amazing accomplishments because most of the students who have passed through my classes this year don’t just believe the spirit of the Da Vinci quote listed above, but they live it.  And isn’t THAT the kind of teacher you want your child to have?  Isn’t that the kind of teacher you want working next to your classroom?  Isn’t that the kind of teacher you want to hire for your campus?

Those are the kind of teachers I’m fortunate enough to get to mold.  So when people ask me how my first year at SHC has been, I don’t think of me.  I think of my students and how this year has been for them while in my class.  I hope it has been a challenge and hard work.  I hope it has opened their eyes to new ideas and new perspectives.  I hope it has given them an understanding of the responsibility they possess as a teacher.  I hope they experienced that happy exhaustion of accomplishment once turning in the final project, exam, or paperwork.  I hope they  learned.  I hope they evolved. 

I hope my students experienced all of these things and more because I worked hard to make it happen.  I plan on enjoying my first graduation at SHC under the massive oaks.  And then I’m ready to start making exciting things happen for Fall 2014.