LONGEST POST EVER!!!! But cohort 11, please read

How was my compassion day? Ironic! I spend nearly every day being upbeat and positive, smiling and laughing as much as humanly possible. While I might kill the occasional spider, I think I am compassionate to all living things 99% of the time. Yet today, the designated day of compassion, I found myself being…. Well…. A self-absorbed ass. The stress of the project final caught up to me about 2 o’clock this afternoon, and no amount of mediation or laughter yoga could kick me out of this funk. Apparently, I have a long way to go before getting full control over “my buttons”.

Don’t worry though, I waited till I regained my normal emotional state before writing this. The question (at nearly 2 am) became what to say seeing that I clearly failed the day’s assignment. Since we are rapidly approaching an emotional ending to an amazing journey it seemed appropriate to use this final blog as a time to say thank you to all of you who have had such a positive impact on me; both personally and professionally. I’m going alphabetically so I don’t get accused of playing favorites. =) So without further adieu…..

Angie: Your positive energy and laugh has been so great during our long hours in the classroom discussing all the random topics (sometimes depressing) we have encountered. I am always inspired by your strong desire to get students thinking critically about history and closely examining the world around them. Your commitment to this educational philosophy has really helped me I my own attempts to get kids thinking deeply about math. Also, even though it hasn’t happen yet, Saturday on your boat will totally rock!

Beau: Not only do you make me laugh constantly but I have always respected how well you listen. It’s evident as every time you offer an opinion, you constantly refer back, by name, to what others have said. We all know people who speak just to hear their own voice and you are the exact opposite. Every time you share an idea it is insightful and well conceived. Plus your passion for working with native kids constantly inspires me and I was excited everyone got to experience this during your project presentation. No powerpoint… you’re my hero!

Breanna: While we will never agree on shuffleboard rules, I’ve really enjoyed all the extra conversations we were able to have. Your friendship means a great deal to me. You always brought interesting ideas to the table and listening to your stories about kindergarteners licking each other, eating paste, and doing all sorts of weird things made me laugh constantly. Without your reminders and organization, I would have forgotten at least half of the assignments we were given. I appreciate that and definitely will make good on a dinner to thank you properly.

Heidi: I’ve never like politics and policy but I greatly respect and appreciate the fact that you are so active with that part of education. It does not get said enough, especially by me, but thank you for acting and lobbying on my behalf. Your passion for global citizenship and social justice, is always apparent and quite admirable. That passion combined with your interest in learning, reading, research, and writing will undoubtedly take you to all sort of success. I have no doubt that 10 years from now I’ll pick up a book and see “Heidi Renk” on the cover.

Jamie: Never in a 100 years did I think I could learn so much from someone whose teaching assignment is so different than my own. Your passion for your students and the fact that you epitomize the phrase “master teacher” constantly made me want to improve my own abilities. We all have said “I wish you were my kindergarten teacher”, I agree, but feel lucky enough having you as a friend and colleague. Your kids and school are blessed to have you.

Jacqui: First off, thank you for showing us Hudson’s. I didn’t know a hamburger place could change my life. More importantly, your optimism and sense of humor made even the longest classes enjoyable. All the extra conversations we had about… well… everything were always insightful and refreshing for the soul. You have also inspired me to start using word like “bum”, “holiday”, and “dodgy” although I doubt they will sound as cool when I say them. You are great friend and I look forward to staying in contact.

Matt: Hmm… where to start this one. When we first started this program and went back to our respective places in the fall, I will never forget getting an e-mail with two articles you read the might be helpful to my lit review. That might not seem like a big deal to you but it was to me. I was floored that, with all you have going on, my research mattered. That little story barely scratches the surface of the commitment you make to all the folks in this program and your dedication as a teacher. You have taught me more about education, life, and all sorts of other things than any other human being could have in such a short amount of time. The list is long but at the top… laughter yoga. You have made me a better person and a better teacher and I am eternally grateful.

Meg: I don’t have any family within a 2000 mile radius so having your motherly influence has been priceless. You are always the first person I want to talk with when I’m having trouble processing or articulating a thought because you listen like a cow but then always have amazing insights in return. Not only are you tons of fun to be around but you also have this zen-like calming effect that is amazing. As a final thought, the fact that you are still committed to teaching and passionate about improving after so many years of teaching is both incredible and inspirational. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Meriah: Your dedication to your school and the art of teaching is present in all your words and actions and I think that is so cool. I love hearing the ideas and perspectives you bring to the table because it’s obvious they are generated from the heart. The warmth of your personality makes you the kind of person that makes others feel good about themselves…. I know you had that effect on me. Combine all that with your drive to make a difference and “go get ‘em” attitude and that’s why you are the incredible teacher you are.

Cohort 12: I wish I had a chance to get to know all of you better but I’m out of time here. You all are in for a life changing experience. Thank you for all you have given me in out short time together. Good luck and enjoy it.

Phew…. My fingers hurt.

Dammit… birds are starting to chirp.

But as a last thought, using my powers to analyze data I see themes emerging from these rambling. Passionate, friend, inspirational, dedicated, amazing, fun, committed, insightful are words that came up a lot. Maybe I just need to start using a thesaurus but I think those words best describe this program and the people that have made it so special.

Thank you all.