I did a few things in the last two weeks that I never thought I would or could do. Each taught me something about myself and the type of person that I want to be along with the type of teacher I want to be.
First, I ran a half marathon! Now for those of you that know me well, you know I typically don't run unless something is chasing me or there are cupcakes at the finish line. I ran my first 10K last fall in Disneyland. For whatever reason this completely perked my interest in running. For the last eight months or so, I've diligently planned to run two days sometimes three days a week. And running a half marathon is something I never thought I would do, but completing it give me a sense of pride, accomplishment, purpose, and confidence. All things that I have once or twice in my life forgotten that I had. It was liberating and sooooo FUN! I'm not sure that I have the same motivation when running places other than Disneyland, but I plan to keep trying and improving...
The other thing that I completed was my masters degree with Chico State. This to me has been one of the most difficult but rewarding experiences of my life. It was everything great and awful all at once. I have been working on classes for my Masters for the past two years and finished my thesis this semester. I dubbed Sundays for homework or assignments during the time I took classes. Everyone now keeps asking when I plan to get my administrative credential... The answer is never! I just don't see that in my future or ever being part of my passion... And I'm big on that! If it's not making me feel successful or like I'm making a difference or helping someone to find their passion, I'm out!
My friend Natalie was my saving grace during the whole program. Mollie, our professor, was my thesis cheerleader!
While it was difficult, I'm glad I did it. It doesn't make me feel smarter or anything crazy like that but it has allowed me to be part of another university, meet and work with some great professors, and collaborate with friends (mostly FaceTime to get through homework). The whole process taught me a lot about myself, how I prioritize time, how I work with others, how I handle stress, how I want to be a better teacher.
Throughout the last two weeks of craziness, I have had project visits, meetings, parent and student emails, phone calls and texts. That's because this upcoming week is FAIR!
It's always a crazy time but with all the calls, visits, videos, emails and texts, I am just reminded how great my students are. I have been gone from school a decent amount lately and they have completely stepped up and taken responsibility for themselves and their projects. They have asked questions, worked together, called professionals, communicated and worked diligently to dial in their animals to the best spot they can. Regardless of how much or little individual students need me, they all know the expectations I have. They are all successfully rising to the challenge, which doesn't happen in every chapter/program. It's a simple question from me about their pig's weight that begins a conversation including feed amounts, weights, videos along with questions about changes they can and will make. Even when some people (parents) try to ruin the progress through hindering their child's growth, and responsibility, I am reminded that those students need the expectations the most, but they are also the ones that rise to the occasion without question. Kids love the competition of fair and livestock, as do I. But at the same time, I try to remind the kids, the big picture isn't about what award or ribbon you won, but maybe the late night barn duty with one of your friends or the silly jokes in the barns. It's about working together, being a team player, and having a great experience. Trophies and ribbons are just a perk.
Stay tuned for a fair post!