Live...Learn...-Gandhi

Live as if you were to die tomorrow.

Learn as if you were to live forever. 

Mahatma Gandhi

Edmund Burke

 When bad men combine, the good must associate; else they will fall one by one, an unpitied sacrifice in a contemptible struggle.

Edmund Burke

Be You and Be Strong

There are many things that people say are important in life such as God and Family, others will argue that career is in there, and for some they are right. For those who do not wish to read because I said God that is okay but I will not apologize for having my belief in God as a stronghold and my love for my family to be my priority. I will say that is my right as I grew up in America, the free country, the place where so many seek refuge to be what they want. Sadly, as I have grown older and begun raising my children I have seen so many changes. So many people want to change this place of refuge and as a parent it is scary. I see so many changes that I do not wish to have pushed on others, yet, as a free country these are the things we have learned to accept. It is just disappointing that so much of what is happening in our country is saying we have to accept verses we are permitted to our own beliefs. 

I have and will never push my beliefs onto others but I will never give up on my beliefs for others. Reba McEntire has been quoted to say that to succeed in life you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone, and a funny-bone. She is and will always be right. I have faith that my beliefs and family will help me get through this life no matter the changes. We will dream together, stand strong together, and laugh together and I will not make apologies for who we are and how we live. Yet, I will try to raise my children to raise their children with strong morals and values. Though things in society change, that does not mean we have to alter who we are or our beliefs we do not even have to accept change. It will happen wether we will it or not. We can allow change to burden us or build us up. I choose to allow change to strengthen myself and my loved ones. We will learn from it, just as we have learned from history and the past. We will allow changes, good and bad, to make us stronger individuals. 

I think the less we worry about what others think about us, the easier it is to not worry about them, and to focus on our own needs within our intermediate life and family. As a mother I have learned that I cannot take care of my children if I do not take care of myself, does this mean that I put me first. Well, if we are honest, nope, I don't put me first all the time. I know that I am well, I am fed, clothed, and raised. I know that my moral compass is strong and aligned where it needs to be. So, I do put my kids first. I make sure their needs are taken care of first; when it comes to emotions, I put them first. However, I can do that now because I know who I am and I know I am taken care of and I was entrusted with them so I am going to put them first. I am going to help them reach a time in life where they know who they are, they are fed, housed, clothed, and comfortable and ready to take care of themselves. It is part of the reason I am on this earth. I am here to share what I know with my children, to the best of my ability. I am here to help them become strong members of society. I am currently their protector and I will do all I can do to give them all I know and seek more for them, in hopes that they become even stronger pieces of humanity that I am. 

Moving on or moving forward

Gandhi said it right when he said forgiveness is an attribute of the strong. Explains why sometimes it is so darn hard. We have to learn to forgive those around us who do wrong. Do we have to accept them and their differences or what they have done, no we do not. However, for our own sanity we have to learn to forgive or try our best to forget. It is funny how the mind works though. We tend to remember extremely emotional events, positive or negative. In many cases it is the negative that we reel over. Those are the ones we really should make peace with for our own health. When I have something happen that is even slightly off kilter creating a negative vibe, I run it over in my mind. Do you? We are trying to figure out why, how, and what we could have done. Sadly, those things are passed. We cannot rewind and do a retake. So, it is best to move on. Forget to the degree that it does not cause agita (as my mother called it when I was a child). I do want to suggest, as I always will, do not forget them so much you cannot learn from them. If you are part of the problem, change that and become part of the solution. If you see the problem, help create a solution. Yet, always for your own sake, when you are wronged, forgive. If not for those who wronged you do it for yourself. 

There have been many times I kept my mouth quiet about what my mind it reeling about. I know that I have opinions that differ from others, and as long as my family was not greatly impacted I did not speak of it. Then I realized that if I did not speak, it came back around and did have an impact. So as much as I have said in the past not to worry yourself of things and forgive or forget, I still think that it is important to stand up for what you believe and be proud to share what you know and who you are. This notifies others of differences and solutions so they can either accept or ignore (as I have advised you to do) yet it gets those thoughts out there into the world. The way to move forward is to make sure you are doing what is right in your heart, mind, and soul and then go for it. I have many times realized how hard it is to forgive people, even for the silliest things. When looking back, it has always been worth it to forgive and move on or move forward.

"The Right Place Values You The Right Way"

Know your own worth, you have value and it is visible, others will see it and it will shine brighter after you yourself realize it. 

I read the following articles many times, they all say the same thing a little different. The lesson is still the same. You do have value, we all do. We just need to know it and take charge of our own power. Following your own path, or speaking out can be difficult but refreshing and freeing. Follow any of the links but know their path is the same. Something to think about. 

The Right Place Values You 

Never Stay in a Place Where No One Sees Your Value  

Dont Find Yourself in the Wrong Place

Sometimes, we are in a place where others know we have value and if feels as though we are held back, this happens to many good people. Please know you are not alone and do what you can to remember that you will find your path, it will come and you will get where you want to go. Do not doubt yourself because you are just on a stepping stone, trying to cross or find the fork in the road that leads to where you really want to go. Believe that you have what it takes, you will eventually find your wings. Sometimes things take time, not all birds take flight the first time out of the nest. Just because you can, doesn't always mean that the timing is right. Sometimes the saying that good things come to those who wait, really is true. Sometimes, things are not meant to be exactly as we want or plan or when we want. However, I believe, as you should, that you can follow your dreams and be successful. Life's roads comes with lots of twists and turns, these lessons will make us stronger. I do believe that change is inevitable and necessary, not all change is good, but not all change is bad. It is important to know what path to follow, make sure you are comfortable with your path and move forward with confident strides. 

Dare to be Different, Dare to be You...

There is a country song by Riley Green, not sure of all the words as I have only heard it a few times but the part that stuck was about doing things a little different . To me that is the best part. We should all be able to do things a little different and feel good about it. 

How boring would life be if we were all the same. It is okay to be different, matter of fact, it is a good thing. Be you, do you, be happy. This does not mean I think it's okay to be disrespectful to others, it means that I think we need to respect ourselves and who we are in order to not concern ourselves with what others do differently. It is the way to truly accept or disregard and not allow differences and changes to affect us so much that we are discontented. Sounds like I am saying not to care about others, and as disheartening as it sounds I am not saying do not care but rather do not worry, do not be offended, and do not let other peoples differences bother you. The old saying goes you make your bed you lay in it...I will modify it a tad. You have to worry about you and how you sleep at night. You can not sleep well worrying about other peoples differences and if they do not accept you or you do not accept them. So accept you, what and who you are, and be okay with that and sleep well at night. Let what others do go, do not stress it or allow it to offend you, and sleep well at night. (I by no means am saying to let things you do not believe in go and let them fester, but I am saying that you can only do what you can, so make sure you are still able to lay your head on your pillow at night proud of who you are and sleep well because you know you made good choices in your days.)

Do what you want to do, not just what you can do

If you are a teacher, be a teacher who stands up for yourself. Always be there in every situation and follow your moral compass. I know that teachers will always make a difference in the lives of their students, some more than others. Teachers may touch one soul at a time but they are making a difference across the globe. Be part of that difference. We are teaching children how to read, write, and survive in a world where there are many unknowns. 

I know teachers are necessary, we are here to help make life easier for a child to become a successful part of society. I wish there were more people out there that wanted to fight for teachers and what we do, because it takes a special person to be in a classroom, or to be a teacher. Especially in the public school system and especially when times are failing us. We are judged, we are a mocked, and it will never be fair. If you know this going in, you are a step ahead. 

I did not choose to teach because of the saying, those who can do, and those who can't teach. I know I can!

I can teach. I can help others learn to read. I can help others learn to use mathematical processes. I can help others learn to write. I can teach kindness. I can be kind. I can be patient. I can teach flexibility. I can be a leader to children and adults. I can be a friend. I can be a good listener. I can be respectful. I can teach others how to express themselves. I can teach different forms of art. I can teach others to be respectful. I can teach others to be organized. I can go on...but I wont.

I can do many things and I choose to spend my time sharing my cans to lead by example and help others find the can that they wish to follow in their life. Don't lose heart, know you have worth and keep fighting the good fight. 

Research and Learn...

My sister recently contacted me, she decided she wanted to know who was in her family tree. Ancestry research can really open your eyes. I think its a great place to learn. As Edmund Burke said, you cannot plan the future by the past. However, I think it surely is a place to learn more and possibly help to make more informed decisions into the future. There are so many things we can learn from the past. Educate yourself. I suggest starting right away, there is no time like the present, because the longer we wait the more difficult it is to dig up. I started asking my family years ago and have kept great notes, but sadly those didn't go as far back as I would have liked. So I had to do more digging on my own, what a cool journey though. Edmund Burke also said that those who don't know history are destined to repeat it. We need to learn from the past. I suggest attempting to learn from past mistakes, which I know is very hard to do, unless of course they are your own mistakes. We have taken great strides to learn from the past and try to turn things around. Don't let anyone hold you back from what you want to learn, what you know is right, and what steps you have to take to make a difference. Every small move makes a change in the next morrow (as my son Luke would say). Make the change, be the change, be the positive difference in your own life, which in turn may make you the positive change in the lives of others. 

Decisions, decisions...

Small decisions are made every day, every second really. Some so minor we don't even realize we are making a choice, it's second nature. It is those more detrimental decisions that affect more than just flavor of coffee, or if we turn left on a side road or go straight to drive home. The ones that affect others direction in life that we take more time to consider. Those are the ones that we lose sleep over, or contemplate the pros and cons. I find writing it down really helps. I suggest when you face decisions that create bigger emotions, make/take some notes. It may help you to become more aware of who it will affect and even help you to get sleep at night. Never be afraid of those decision though. No matter what there will be pros and cons to everything, even if it is just what to eat and when.

I chose many different times to go back to school to better myself, gain a different and new understanding. There have always been pros and cons. The only way to feel good about those is to make sure the cons are things you can live with. Never make a decision if you know in your heart it goes against your morals. It will never be worth it. 

I do it a lot...but it seems that it is yet again that time in my life to make a decision. Though I do this often, I know that some decisions have more of an impact than others. I guess it's time to start planning. Yes, I suggest planning because it really can help ease your mind. Yet, I also know that spontaneity is also really amazing for your mind, body, and soul. It is great, sometimes, to just throw caution to the wind and do the unusual or unplanned. Brings a little spark of excitement that all human beings really do need. 

If you have read my past posts you know that my father told me to make sure I was right, then to go ahead...I still feel that this is the best action. Right can mean moral, or just but it can also mean what will make you the happiest.  

M. Alford

~~~~~~

Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.

Edmund Burke

Nelson Mandela

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.

Invest in Knowledge

 Investments made when we are young can be quite rewarding. Especially when they are knowledge. As a student it is hard to know what we want for our future. Who is to say that at seven I knew becoming a lawyer was the job I would be best at or really wanted for the rest of my life? Maybe I could have been a professional baseball player, successful artist, or self-employed psychologist. Yikes…not me, I chose education to help others. I did not choose to become an educator because I did not have other options, I did have options and still do, my choices still exist until life is over. There are times adults are unsure of what profession they wish to belong to and even times when adults change professions This is okay, it is great really. If we are not happy in our career or job, we must know when to take that leap of faith and move on.

As a child, my father always told me to make sure I was right and then to go ahead and do what needed to do. It was really an odd thing for me because, how did I know I was right? I guess it was good advice, because really if we decide to do something, we must act and that is what is right for us as individuals. I also was taught by my parents when you do something, go all the way and do it right. Will some decisions not turn a great reward or lead us to a path that we decide is not for us? Maybe, but these decisions will give us life experiences and that is knowledge we can continue to grow from.

My suggestion to all of those reading, is to invest in yourself. Make a choice to learn and gain knowledge and understanding in areas that interest you. You do not need a degree to learn and gain knowledge that will help you be a stronger person and make good decisions. You only need to believe that you can achieve and put forth the effort to do so. SO yes, invest in yourself with knowledge...it surely will pay a higher interest than any bank can offer.

It is important to set goals

 I believe in helping students learn from their mistakes and successes. I believe memories should be cherished and heightened. As children we learn a lot from doing, and we recall how to walk, talk, read, write, balance, and much more before we ever begin school. We learn to eat and walk as babies and these actions are strange, difficult, and valuable tools we will use for the rest of our lives. We learn so much more even before we begin school for academics, though our reading and writing may be primitive. We may read by knowing what pictures are and when we are getting fruit verses vegetables. We might be scribbling and experimenting with crayons, but we are drawing and writing.  The more memorable an experience the easier to recall. Therefore, children will recall positive actions, lessons, and memories, especially if we make a big deal out of them.

I suggest we make a big deal of goal setting with students, help them to achieve those goals, and celebrate big when they make it, then set a new goal and start again. I also feel that when mistakes are made, listen to the questions and find the solutions together and make a big deal out of the success that came from the failure. Never allow a student to feel as if they are limited to achieve because of something negative that happened. We certainly do not wish to set a boundary on someone’s potential. We can achieve many successes and goals in life, starting in childhood, setting small goals like learning to read the next level book, or learning to do three-digit mathematics. There should be no limits for anyone of any age. I suggest students set weekly, monthly, and even yearly goals. (I would say the same for adults…SET achievable and more difficult GOALS.) Life is a long journey, live out your life striving to fulfill your potential and as a leader of children, help those kiddos to fulfill their potential along the way.

Aristotle

 Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all

Know the Importance of a Good Education

When I first began teaching, I did not have children; however, after I had my own children, I felt a shift in my teaching. I believe it was a good shift. Does this mean that parenthood strengthens (or weakens) a teacher’s ability to teach? I do not believe that a person’s life changes must affect their profession. However, if one is not careful, he or she could allow it to change teaching style or emotional state. (My style changed, I recognized I had a different level of compassion and would take note of a student’s home life or how their day was going more often than before having children. So may I suggest, if you are not already building a bond with children, find a way to build a bond and make a connection.)

There are scenarios or circumstances in any person's life that can affect how they teach. I do wish to say that I believe parenthood helped to strengthen my resolve and make me put forth more effort to the students I encountered. I knew what I wanted for my own children, and that was the best academics, and best social emotional supports; therefore, that is what every child deserved and would get from me. The best I had to offer.

This should already be the goal of a teacher. In many schools this is part of the mission, and this is a standard for all educational leaders. Providing the highest most equitable education for students and helping them to develop while advocating for them. It is essential to follow a mission statement while behaving ethically and fostering academic success and social well-being. As a teacher who has been in the field for almost two decades, I know the importance of a good education and I want to suggest that we all do what we can to teach the value of education students. This will help them to self-advocate in the future.

Something to think about...

People will forget what you have said, and they will forget what you did...

but they will never forget how you made them feel.

Maya Angelou

Think about this the next time you interact with people, as a friend, coworker, teacher, leader, or supervisor.

Take care of others and help them to feel safe, help them smile, and help them to improve themselves with joy and knowledge.

I could say help lift those around you above the clouds, or help them to rise there.

This photo is of my family, stopping to check on me before they take the plunge into the cloud layer, because we all stick together, unity strengthens any team, family or other.

What is the difference?

When I first became a teacher in a classroom of my own I was the young, inexperienced teacher. The days were exciting and I was teaching middle and high school students at a charter school. The students were excited to be in my room and I was just as excited to have them. I do not remember a single student who did not want to be there, nor do I recall any students who thought it was going to be an easy class. I lived in Florida where it was almost always sunny and hot and the water was not far, but no one skipped my class. Move forward about 20 years to teaching first graders, on an island in Alaska. The students are harder to engage in the work, it takes a lot of effort and strategies. They also skip school to go places with parents. What is the difference? Why did kids not skip school as often when I was a younger teacher teaching older students? I always wonder, if families do not realize the importance of attendance in education.

Note: If you are going to be somewhere, no matter where it is, be all there. I have heard this a lot from some of my mentors. It makes a lot of sense. If you make a commitment, you do all you can to attend and put your best foot forward. No matter what. When you are no longer there, it is probably time for a change.

As for those little ones that are not often at school, please remember to reach out to them and their families. I know it is not a teachers job to hunt down a student or their family, and we certainly cannot force them to come to school or to learn something. However, it does not hurt to offer books to read at home or a little make up work or lesson. So please don't give up on them. It is not their choice. Elementary students really are at the whim of parents or guardians. Give them the structure they desire and those children will do what they can to come to school to learn. Sometime building a trusting relationship can bridge a gap. 

Try something new...

I grew up in Florida, where it was always sunny and hot. 

It was flat and the sand would burn your feet if you were not used to it 

or even if you strolled too slow. The sunrises and sunsets were stunning over the water.

The water called to me as it does most Floridians.

I never wanted to leave...

Now, I am living in Alaska and it has opened my eyes to a new world. 

I will admit, one I never wanted to visit. 

The sun glides across the sky and it is not more beautiful, it is different beautiful. 

I would say take a leap, get up and go somewhere new. Even if it's a new park, beach, town, restaurant, city, state, or even country. Life is too short to avoid experiencing something new and different. 

The saying is correct, the grass is not greener, but it is  different.

You have to look at the pro's or the positive side of things, different things. 

I recently completed another degree. It was not easy, it was a challenge

and it helped me to grow. It was worth it. I am glad I took that leap and did something different.  

Doing something new and different, from going on a picnic at a new park, to a new school, or whatever the case will provide new and valuable life experiences, take that leap, it is worth it.

Doing your Best...

Starting as a new and inexperienced teacher can be scary, yet very exciting. As a young teacher, I would get up early and arrive at work before most of the other teachers. I worked hard to be prepared and it paid off. I found that the more prepared I was, the better my days went and the less intimidating it was when the school's administrator would come in to observe me. (Note: Always be prepared and be flexible in case things do not go as planned.)

I submitted lesson plans, revised them if modifications were made, added as much detail as possible, and sometimes, rewrote them when I was reteaching. Lessons are essential, I felt like I was still in college all over again making perfect lesson plans. However, when I compared my lessons to that of the veteran teachers I was working with, I was doing way too much, so they would say. (Note: You can always ask for input from your administrator. They will let you know if your lesson plans are too much, not enough, or are just right. They will most likely tell you even if you do not ask.)

I learned that I knew how to energize the students in the classroom and earn a high level of student engagement. I also found that I would work longer hours than other teachers and stay late to grade, clean, and review my lessons. Looking back, I would like to offer some more advice...Do not always be the teacher who leaves last. It is important to leave work, and live life outside of the workplace. It is great to be prepared, but to avoid 'burnout' it is okay to leave before other teachers. Sometimes, it can be a safe and smart choice to leave at the same time as other colleagues. It is also okay to not be the first to arrive at work, so don't worry if you happen to arrive after other teachers, especially if you are still arriving on or before your contracted hours. 

Where it all began...

 To explain my purpose behind this blog you must understand that I was raised by two loving parents who worked hard to provide for my brother, sisters, and me. This blog and my desire to help others may just be a small way for me to help pay it forward. My father worked long, hard days in the Florida heat. He has never stopped working. My mother did many jobs and was always involved in education. Most importantly my parents worked together to raise me. They were my very first teachers. She quite literally taught me in a small pre-school house just outside of our back door. As I grew older, she worked in the schools as a special education aide, then special education teacher, then counselor, to homeless transition specialist with many jobs in between. As a child I would leave my classrooms and go to her school or classroom and work with her, and many times work with her students. As I got even older, I volunteered helping other students in school. I knew when I was young that even though I had an original wish to become a lawyer, I would not be happy unless I was helping children and so education was the actual path I chose when college became an option.

Just shy of graduating college I went to my first interview and was offered the job. My college professor said that if I chose to work instead of taking an internship that she would come offer guidance and help me through it. So, I began my first teaching job six months before I graduated with my teaching degree. This was a scary time but also exciting, I was doing it. I was going to make a difference in the lives of children. I stepped into the classroom of my first class at a charter school, McKeel Academy of Technology, and got a little jittery when I realized for the first time that some the ‘children’ I was working with were only three years younger than I was. I knew right off the bat that I had to be bold and assert myself as an adult, to avoid any conflicts, because I was teaching high school students. To this day I have no regrets, it was a great learning experience, and I am so glad it was my first. The administrator was supportive, and the school was small enough that I was able to work closely with other teachers and build strong relationships.

My recommendation for anyone beginning a new job as a teacher at a new school is to reach out to other teachers. Do your best to build a relationship with your colleagues and learn as much as you can about the expectations of the administrator, the school’s mission and vision and the dynamics of the school and students and become a part of it. Help with strengthening the school community and go in with a positive attitude. Also, never hesitate to reach out for support when you need it.

Find the road to your own success.

The road that few travel on may just be your path to enlightenment. 

Every now and then it can be a healthy choice to follow the road less traveled. 

Enjoy the ride and pick up a little experience along the way. 

Knowledge is Power! 

 

Greetings...

 The creation of this blog was something I have thought of numerous times. However, it was not until I came to the end of my most recent degree that it came to fruition. I am currently completing my graduate degree and have decided to speak to others on what is now In Sight for me and what can be insight for those of you reading this. I have a love for education and learning, always yearning for something new.

I believe education has helped me to realize my potential and my education can help others to realize theirs. Goal setting is important to me as a lifelong learner and teacher, but also as a mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. I enjoy helping others to realize their potential and encourage people of all ages to set goals. It is never too early or late in life to do so.

I hope that my insight will help others to realize their potential and how to get their goals in sight. Here is to the realization and publishing of my first blog and of course sharing some of what I have learned in my life as a student, educator, and human being; all in hopes of inspiring someone to realize YOU can do more, if YOU so choose.