Challenging Average

Challenging Average

Current Events

As I write, so many things flood my mind that plague the world and/or create obstacles for all of us who live in it. I consider how difficult these obstacles and how insurmountable they appear. I can’t help sometimes but to wonder why and sometimes even question these events or experiences. Sometimes it makes me weary and there have been times when I have wondered whether or not it’s even worth all of the effort. Nevertheless, one thing I am certain of, “opposition is the indication that you are headed in the right direction.” I truly believe that the obstacle is the way. If you have not read this book by Ryan Holiday, I would recommend it. Life’s experiences have shown me that life is truly a journey, to who we really are. Shameless Plug: Journey to the Y in You (written by yours truly) is another timeless read and may be more relevant now than it was when it was published.

The Nature of Obstacles

What do I mean when I say that “the obstacle is the way? C.S. Lewis said “Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.” The truth is that the obstacles do a few things in our lives:

• Obstacles reveal.

  • Obstacles have the capacity to reveal things around us that we may not have been able to see prior to the obstacle. Obstacles are lessons, or teachers for us. If life is a journey, the journey requires that we know certain things and knowing those things help us to take further steps forward.

  • Obstacles also have the capacity to reveal things about ourselves that we didn’t know or were not aware of prior to the obstacle. Journey to the Y in You reveals how the obstacles show us ourselves, good, bad or otherwise. When we understand WHO we are, then we become an unstoppable force.

• Obstacles restore.

  • Obstacles can remind you of who you are.

  • Obstacles can show you something about you that you may have never seen or known previously.

• Obstacles remind.

  • Obstacles reinforce your unique value.

  • Obstacles indicate you’re still “here.”

• Obstacles remove.

  • Obstacles can lighten your load. They may help you to be able to see what you don’t need, what may be weighing you down and keeping you from flying or rising.

  • Obstacles can be a reality check. They may remove the very things I thought I needed most.

Shifting gears slightly, how do the above understanding help us? Well, the truth of the obstacles…the experiences of our lives, the additions, the losses (which may not truly be losses) equip us with the understanding of how we become stronger through those obstacles. Why do we become stronger? I truly believe it is because we are meant to do above-average things. We are destined to be great, in whatever capacity and as such, that requires strengthening.

I think about the plethora of new knowledge I have gained in the past two years around gardening, agriculture and horticulture. I think about plants and trees and their ability to “lean towards the light.’ I think about the obstacles that even plants and trees face in order to grow up and be fruitful. The variety of obstacles that plant life has to withstand or grow through, results in a stronger plant or tree. Even losing leaves or stem parts, also known as pruning, are actually beneficial to the plant or tree because the plant becomes bushier and more productive, while the tree understands that it needs to grow more. Obstacles are the way to growth. Growth happens physically, as in the trees, but also inwardly as well. When the tree stretches out its branches, that’s growth. When the plant bears flowers, fruit and/or seeds, that’s growth. This is their opportunity to be great, producing more after its own kind through its seeds or seed-bearing fruit.

An Anecdote

On February 26, 2022, I engaged in conversation with my brother Dio and the conversation shifted to the kids, namely my nephew Z, who, as long as I can remember, has been busy being “great.” Time flies quickly and Z is now 11 years old (soon to be 12) and has his hands in everything. He plays soccer, he is playing the trumpet, has taken part in martial arts and is constantly trying something new. You might say that he inspired this writing today. I’d go as far as to say that the world might take some notes from him. He has impeccable character, zeal and genuinely loves to learn.

Z Challenges Average

I find it very interesting how both Z and I are middle children, meaning that we are in the middle of our families, as “middle’ born of all of the children.

What is Average?

I’d like to, if I can, operationally define average. Average may mean something completely different depending on who’s defining it. However average seems to suggest that a greater capability exists beyond what is being represented or demonstrated. Average may not look or sound the same to one person as it does to another. As we look at our own lives to reflect, evaluate and dig deep, we know what we are capable of. If we are not aware, we understand that the potential exists for greatness. The potential is there to take those risks, knowing that the risk-taking may lead to open doors and opportunities.

When we look at average, maybe it is interpreted as doing “just enough” and getting the “just enough” reward or doing so, albeit intrinsic or extrinsic. What if average is doing what we have seen everyone else do because that’s all we have seen or is all that we know? What if average is doing something we may not completely like, but know that it’s something to do? Again, average to one person may not be average to another. Inside, I believe we know or are able to determine that we can do more personally, or on the other hand, we know if we have exhausted our abilities to go further. What would happen if we took another step? What if understood that one more step could be all it takes to bring change, transform the minds of people to think and see things in a new way?

Challenge Average

How do you challenge average? So many examples of people exist that did not stop at just living life but lived life in a way as to bring life to and inspire others to do the same. They didn’t settle for ‘just,’ but made a decision to be just a little bit more. And that little bit more changed everything. I have come across this quote many times…”The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is just that little ‘extra.’” (Jimmy Johnson) My dad challenged average. He was 1) the minister, 2) the father of 7, 3) the mechanic, 4) the Army veteran, 5) the brother, 6) the uncle, 7) the grandfather, 8) the hero. When I think about my brother Dio, I don’t see average, I see someone who has decided that he was built for better than average. When I look at my little talented nephew Z, I see a world changer. He was not built for average. When I look at the students I have taught through these 17 years, I can say with certainty that the number includes so many who made choices to be great.

1. Albert Einstein didn’t speak until he was four years old.

2. Helen Keller was blind and deaf, yet tipped intelligence scales.

3. Benjamin Franklin dropped out of school when he was ten.

4. Stephen King’s first novel was rejected thirty times.

5. Thomas Edison failed 1,000 times before successfully creating the lightbulb.

6. Martin Luther King, despite setbacks in his life, became a prominent voice and speaker articulating words and inspiring change.

When I think about these examples, I find it compelling how these individuals were unstoppable. They didn’t stop, yet I am sure they had many opportunities to do so. I would like to think that it may have crossed all of their minds. I’d like to think that perhaps each of these individuals felt like stopping, considered giving up, became tired, questioned if their work was really worth it…got close to throwing in the towel. Yet, despite that, each also understood what was riding on their decisions to press forward and to do something more, something greater than what had been done previously..and not to boast about it, but instead transform people and be a light, model or example for someone else. That example would say that average is a choice…but pushing yourself to do just a little bit more is also a choice, a choice to ‘challenge average,’ the one they made. It will likely help other people as well as yourself.

News Flash: You Matter

I’m sure we’ve all been there a time or two, popular, at least to some degree…someone that others wanted to know or talk to. Perhaps you’ve been that person who had as many friends as there were stars in the sky (exaggeration) or a friend for each day of the week or month. Perhaps you’ve only called few friends. Perhaps you’ve only had one really good one who was without a doubt, the best thing that ever happened to you. Imagine for just a moment that the individual(s) in question all of a sudden disappeared? You stopped hearing from them. They stopped calling or texting, they moved away and didn’t tell you, then found new friends or the relationship had just seemed to fizzle out, whether boldly or indirectly. Suddenly the feeling grips you that speaks very loudly in your head “You no longer matter.”

Have I been there? Oh, likely too many times to recount, or maybe the truth is that I don’t want to remember all of those times and what it felt like. It definitely presents a vulnerability that is the ultimate challenge for me. To add to that, it seems a recurring theme, happening over and over again like that bicycle wheel that won’t stop turning. Have you ever felt like that? You reach and reach and reach some more only to realize that clearly, you no longer matter. You send a message and you may or may not get one in return. You send an email and it may or may not be read. You call and you only get to the voicemail, if it is even answered at all. Then, you get in your own head and you tell yourself that it is you. Something is wrong with you. Why does this thing keep happening to me over and over again like a recurring chronic cough that won’t let my lungs go? But I got to thinking. Now thinking can be quite dangerous at times, but I submit that this time, it was good.

So I began to wonder about the whole coming and going or the possibility that those individuals were never “really” there to begin with, and two things came to mind:

1) You served the purpose you had in their lives.

2) It was meant to break you in order to build you.

Let’s take point one to start. I’d always heard that not everyone is around to “stay.” While there could be a myriad of reasons why someone chooses to walk away, what I began to understand is that it is quite possible that the role looming over your head that needed to be fulfilled in that person’s life may be finished. It is quite possible that you were to sow a seed, or water and once the act is complete, so is that purpose and hence they, or maybe even you, walk away. Then, life goes on and someone else crosses your path. The spin cycle has just changed again and now you have the opportunity to fulfill purpose in the life of the new person you met. Maybe it is in something you say, or do. Maybe you listen well and they need that. Maybe you’re a giver and they have never known anyone like that. Maybe you’re just sincere or genuine and they get to see that modeled, altering their perception of people. Perhaps it is many things.

Moreover, consider for just a moment that your purpose is not tied to just a few. Maybe your gifts and talents are not designated to be limited. Perhaps your value is so much bigger and grander than you believed. Maybe your “why” supersedes that which you always thought it was. To clarify, as hard as it might be to stomach when things end, it may be the very design. It may be that what you brought to the life of another has been accomplished, and is in fact, not a negative at all, but a positive. Mission accomplished.

Moving swiftly to point two, which I must admit is the hardest to discuss. As if the potential pain associated with point one wasn’t enough, point two takes things to a whole new level. What if, by design, the feeling of ‘no longer mattering’ is to strengthen you, redirect you, focus you towards a path, a direction or a goal. A very short story is that I was once friends with a couple individuals. Memories were made. Bonds were shared. Life was lived together. Then, Boom! They moved away. Not only did they move away, the lines of communication were scrambled, cut or somehow abruptly discontinued. It bothered me for a long while. In fact, thinking about it now still makes me feel some kind of way. Nevertheless, I am stronger now than I was before. Because I endured that pain, I gained strength to keep it moving and perhaps handle greater things. Another example might be the wolf pack at Lackland Air Force Base during basic training. I was part of a flight of 59 airmen. We all took an oath to support and defend the nation, with one focus or mission, and that was to become airmen ‘together.’ So many experiences were had in those 6.5 weeks, triumphs and hardships. To this day, I am in contact with about 7 of those airmen, but the other 52 lasted for the 6.5 weeks and that was it. To that point, some relationships with others end and some last longer, and perhaps it is all due to purpose. That is not to say friendships cannot be maintained if desired, but as an alternative way of thinking, perhaps the relationships that end were not meant to last beyond the precipice of purpose being fulfilled.

Long story short, I have had my days where it felt as though I didn’t matter, or no longer mattered, because people moved on and it seemed like they didn’t care anymore. I had to rewrite the script in my mind. I had to understand that what looks like loss, may not be that at all. Perhaps it is that very event or experience that had purpose in it. Perhaps the feelings are necessary to move me further along to realize that I am not here at all by accident, but I am here on purpose. If you didn’t do what only YOU could do, then who would do it? If you didn’t say what only YOU can say it (the way you say it) then who would? If you didn’t be YOU the way that only YOU can, then who could step into those shoes? I say no one! “YOU are the ‘only’ YOU that will ever be, YOUR experiences, YOUR story, YOUR diversity.” (Journey to the Y in You) Your life matters. You Matter.

Leaning Towards the Light

Have you ever paid attention to the actions of plants and trees in the world? Do you have the proverbial “green thumb?” Do you garden at home? Small things blow my mind every day and one of them is the need that plants have for the light. We learn that scientifically, the process by which plants, as producers, make their own food is photosynthesis, requiring the absorption of sunlight as one of its prerequisites. That has made sense to me ever since I learned it. However, the thing that fascinated me was watching what plants do when the position of the light source changes, or the position of the plant itself is altered.

This plant (whose name is to be determined) was grown from its seed and has been manipulated by me on many occasions, raising and lowering it, as well as shifting its position with respect to the light.

If you have ever spent time with your plants outside, surely you have likely noticed that your plants, depending on where you have them, will always ‘lean towards the light.’ So, the plants, though rooted into the ground are responding to changes in their environment. According to Journey North, there is a chemical called auxin inside of plants that allows the plant to regulate it shoot growth. In this way, plants’ auxin levels are generally spread throughout the plant, however in the case of light variations, the auxin on the sunny side of the plant is broken down and sent to the part of the plant being shaded, allowing the plant to grow longer stems in that area. Those longer stems allow the plants to ‘lean’ towards the light. The process is referred to as phototropism. If the plant or tree has fallen over, the principle remains that the plant or tree will still ‘lean towards the light.’ This phenomenon amazes me, makes me wonder, and draw on it to form connections between plants and people.

When I think of light, I think of the thing that shines, guides or leads. The lighthouse out in the middle of the water, is a beacon for seafarers and ship captains and sailors to safely make their way back to the shore. The small match in the middle of a forest at night dispels the darkness. A flashlight or a candle aids us all in the event of power outages or brown-outs. How much more might we, as individuals be a light, or the light for someone else? Who is leaning towards you? Are you shining as a beacon of hope and encouragement during tumultuous times? How can you be a light in times of darkness and uncertainty? Can be by lending you ear? What about offering a bottle of water? Is it possible that people just need to feel cared for, and even if you may not be able to deliver a hug, you find a way to be a bridge over troubled waters?

As an educator of 14 years, one thing I can say with 100% certainty, is that teachers always have been and likely will continue to be much more than someone who siphons out content. In fact, students come to us, in many cases, needing more than curriculum. It makes you wonder why curriculum seems to be so much more important than the human part, social-emotional learning, life skills and the like. It sounds very backwards to me. Yet there are so many ills in the world that could be altered if we turned on the light. What if the light influenced the degree to which learning could be augmented, deeper and more effective? I firmly believe that we have the potential to be lights, lights that encourage, guide, instruct, give hope and give love. Maybe it isn’t a visible light, maybe its a glow that you have that people are drawn to. Maybe it’s the way in which you incline your ear, listening so intently and talking so little.

How would things in our spaces and places change if we knew that there were those leaning, like plants, trying to find a light? A light that they can develop from. A light that they can produce from. A light that they can strengthen from. A light that they can glean from so that they even become a conduit for others plants (people) to grow. If they leaned in your direction, would they receive nutrient-rich light? And…maybe we as lights, can also lean toward others who, can encourage us in times of challenge..to show us all that ‘leaning towards the light’ is gives us all the strength to keep growing.

Reaching Beyond the Room

So I had the great honor of speaking to a great friend of mine and international educator, Eric Hayes, who has a podcast, “Simply Mr Hayes.” It had been a while since we’d last talked but you wouldn’t know it based on the depth of conversation, collaboration, sharing and understanding within the conversation.

One of the many powerful realizations was that of a story Eric shared about his being “all-in” with students, as it resonated greatly with my whole approach to teaching and learning.

“It’s not just about the teach, it’s about the reach.”

Eric shared the story of how his influence with his students, currently in Brazil, is one that he doesn’t take lightly. He pours into his students. He is real with his students. In fact, he is real with everyone. Eric spoke of relationships he forged with students and maintained over time. I agreed with the power that being concerned about said relationships can have on the lives of both teachers and students. The inspiration behind this blog post came when he shared a specific example of a student who he had taught that had gone onto college in the United States and returned to Brazil. Eric described that his intent was to build a podcasting platform and sought to construct its name, purpose and description. He reached out to the student, who studied to be an engineer, who was not only able to provide inspiration, but was also very instrumental in helping Mr. Hayes solidify the ideas in his mind. Amazing right?

Well, that isn’t even the best part. I mean I believe it is a powerful thing for you to serve your students so much that they want to maintain a connection to you and in this case, be a tremendous help! The best part about this, is that the student in question was not actually a student that Eric had in his class. After blowing my mind with this information, I just had to write down this title “Reaching Beyond the Room.” What if our presence inside of school buildings or communities was so intense and full of passion and life that we are able to have an impact on even those we don’t teach?! What if the very nature of our influence was not limited to just the students in the classroom in which we teach? What if our influence even reached beyond the walls of the school and carried over into conversations in the homes of our students?

I was so inspired by Eric’s story. It’s one thing to have an impact on students that you teach, ones you see every day in the classroom and interact with. However, it is something altogether different and SPECIAL when your influence carries over into those that you meet and may have occasional conversations with. Now, Eric’s podcast hit the ground running, because of what started with Eric’s reach that has not stopped reaching.

Thinking on Things

This is my third blog post in less than week..perhaps I am rekindling my old writing pace. I suppose I’ve just been thinking about so much. So many things have seemingly clouded my mind, and none of it seems certain. I think about next school year, a grade change, and no real knowledge of what or how things will ‘be.’ I consider recent events in our nation concerning the lives of minorities. I consider the hatred and racism that is still so prevalent in society that causes angst and discomfort. I think about the disruption of the day-to-day events because of a virus and really the overall stigma of fear that seems to cast dark shadows everywhere you turn.

I remember how, about 2 years ago, I was the recipient of direct discrimination as a black male educator. What we recently found out about our young black male whose life was taken reminds me of moments like that, when you wonder where and from what direction the next thing will come from, hoping all the while that things will stabilize and eventually improve. I think about how much I have a love for diversity and all that means. I love seeing different cultures of people together. I’d like to think that is how it was always intended to be. Still, I see such division right in front of me..not miles and miles away.

Today I sat here thinking, gosh, I think I am pretty good about reaching out and checking on people, maybe much more than most people. I do it genuinely because I honestly care, so much to actually take the time. I’ve been in my feelings today specifically, just feeling enamored by the cares of life and the things that seemingly so easily beset us. I wondered ‘who checks on me now?’ I had a moment. This post will likely be an incomplete one, however, one thing I realize is that I am no superhuman. As much as I’d like to think I am as strong as an ox, there are times when the encumbering weight of trials, challenges and obstacles overwhelm me. While I know there must be something better on the other side of this, whatever ‘this’ is, feels like an awkward dream that I can’t wait to wake up from.

Diversity. Adversity. University.

A major focus of mine for a long while has been the topic of diversity.

In fact, back in 2018, I had the great honoring of leading a chat on the very topic of diversity, specifically uniting the three terms together, identifying that there is a very real connection between them.

Diversity

“Diversity is the art of thinking independently together”

according to Malcolm Forbes. Diversity might be viewed today as inclusion (Roberson, 2004), however I would like to offer a slightly different view. Diversity, by dictionary definition means ‘being composed of different elements or qualities.’ (Merriam-Webster). I’d like to build upon that definition to suggest that it is a necessary reality so as to see that every part plays a vital role in the bigger puzzle. When I consider the birds that eat plants, those that eat meat, those that eat both and those that feed or dead or decaying matter, it reminds me of how all these aspects of bird life provide balance. Another example is the plant world. There are many plants who make their own food through absorption of nutrients from the ground, including water as well taking in sunlight and carbon dioxide to produce their own food. On the other hand, there are animals that feed on smalls bugs and insects. Even more, there are those in the plant family (fungi) that help to break things down into reusable elements. Again, there is balance.

Staying true to the earlier quote by Malcolm Forbes, I believe there is a certain benefit to variations of stories, experiences, journeys, upbringings, cultural traditions, beliefs, perspectives, etc. These variations bring balance. They provide the space for learning and growth. Never has there been a time when I have listened to the genuine words of another person and not had a chance to reflect, learn, grow and ultimately become better. My perspective might shift after hearing someone else’s discourse on a topic. I remember in these moments that I don’t know it all and because I don’t, the intentional celebration of diversity gives me life. Those times I’ve had to experience other cultures and traditions have really opened my mind to believe that ALL have something to offer and the more we are open to experience diversity, the better we stand able to learn and grow and be better because of it.

I have visited Japan and fell in love with it. I think about the cleanliness of the towns, efficient operations and how interested they are in presentation. I’ve developed an affinity for that country because I love technology and they have a lot of it…authenticity and they have a lot of it. The people are so warm and inviting too. I have, on two occasions experienced Diwali as a teacher of students who celebrate it. I was invited as an honoree and was able to participate in the festivities on one occasion and on another, the dances and varieties of foods. I have had the honor of singing at traditional celebrations of going away. Suffice it to say that these are only a few experiences, but I like listening to other people share their perspectives. This is also diversity. When you find yourself in circles where you get to share and listen to people who may not have had exactly the same experiences as you have, you get to see life in a different lens. You can’t stay the same after experiences like that.

Adversity

Adversity doesn’t knock at the door, greet you and have a conversation prior to the reality of its experience. Adversity usually shows up unannounced, doesn’t ask permission and certainly doesn’t apologize. Opposition is the indication that we are headed in the right direction. Without resistance, the body’s systems do not grow to be better. The muscles may not become more defined, unless you increase the weight of the resistance. The body learns to adapt and overcome illness when it is exposed to the said illness or condition. The body’s defenses jump into gear when adversity arrives.

Joseph Campbell said:

“Opportunities to find deeper powers within ourselves come when life seems most challenging.”

Is it possible to conquer or overcome adversity with diversity? Is it possible that celebrating and honoring diversity through interactions, conversations and experiences might lessen the burden of adversity that I feel? Could it diversity minimize the potential negative impacts oof adversity? Could the power of conversations be a remedy for the pain we all experience and feel in life?

Benjamin Disraeli said:

“There is no education like adversity.”

Is it reasonable to assume that we would not be WHO we are without adversity? Suffice it to say that adversity, though often encumbering, usually has positive woven into it. In a recent panel conversation, we discussed the merit that adversity, opposition, anxiety, etc may really play in bringing people to a place where all individuals have a seat at the table. No one is left out. Have we all experienced some adversity in life? I would hypothesize yes and perhaps we are experiencing it presently. What great power there is in adversity! What greater power there is in understanding that it has purpose! What tremendous power there is in knowing that adversity is common, though it may be diverse, yet brings us to a place of ‘uni-versity.’

University

By definition, university means “the students, faculty, and administrators of a university collectively” (Collier’s Dictionary. However, I would like to put a slightly different spin on this word as not referring to a building, group of buildings, or even specifically the people themselves, but instead the commonality of purpose, understanding or belief. “Uni” means one. We can start at diversity, experience adversity, that has the power to bring us university. What would stop us if we realized that we all have adversity and though it doesn’t feel good, the fact that we all experience it, unites us as people, as humans. The power of unity is insurmountable. Where there is unity, there is strength. Where there is strength, there is hope. Where there is hope, there can be faith to believe that all things will work towards the good and that the adversity has a hidden ray of good in it.

Diversity is our greatest strength. Within it, we can overcome adversity. Through it we can university. I’d love to entertain your thoughts, reflections or even questions about this. Feel free to comment.

References;

Roberson, Q. (2004). Disentangling the Meanings of Diversity and Inclusion. Retrieved from: https://digitalcommons.ilr.cornell.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1011&context=cahrswp

Cardinal Conversations

Flashback

It was a very warm day in Raleigh, North Carolina last Sunday when I, along with a friend of mine and a few others, including two great dogs, went on a hiking venture at one of the state parks. It had been a while since I’d had the opportunity to hike, with actual hills and mountainous areas. Florida has lots of parks and reserves where you can walk and see wildlife, but it’s nothing quite like the scenery and elevation of North Carolina. It was peaceful with an occasional breeze, but it didn’t take long before I started to show visible signs of perspiration.

This love and fascination for nature has always been there, but it has forced me to pay attention to things I might normally overlook.You might say that I am hyperaware of what is going on around me, which I believe is good. You never know. It was a couple days after the hiking experience that I was reflecting on it in conversation with my friend and I brought up an experience I’d had while at the library near home. The date was February 28, 2019, about four months earlier. I’d explained how I was there, providing tutoring for a student of mine and just as I was finishing up, I glanced out of the big glass windows that were essentially behind me. When I did, I saw the red cardinal. First of all, it is red, so how can you NOT see that? Second, I wondered for a brief moment, the chances of that cardinal being there on a normal ordinary day. It didn’t take long for me to realize that if it was normally there, today was no normal day. You can see first hand the actions of the cardinal. My student and I are whispering dialogue trying to figure out what may have been going on. Of course, we had no definitive answers.

Being the learner that I am, I had to look up the significance of such a brightly colored bird, specifically its red color. Caring Cardinals identified that the cardinal tends to show up during times of great difficulty or challenge. They could also be visible as a result of celebration. I will say that back in 2013, when my father passed away, I recall very vividly the sequence of events. While my father was not buried anywhere in the yard or close vicinity of the house we were in, he did plant quite a bit before he passed away. The farmland was ripe for great results. Not even a month after he passed away, the leaves of many of the things he planted began to produce fruit…the grapes, the peaches, the pears, and the strawberries, to name a few. I’d also noticed that cardinals would find their way to my view, whether conveniently perched in a tree, or flying right in front of my face. Additionally, there would sometimes be cardinal cardinals (meaning multiple of them). Every time I saw one I thought of my dad and the reminder.

The term cardinal also refers to a leader in the Roman Catholic religion. The fact that the robes worn by these leaders are red, signifies ‘covering’ and a reminder that there is no need to worry about anything, because everything would be all right. (Source) They are, as signs, of good things. Also, cardinal can be used to define some types of numbers, specifically those numbers that show quantity.

Fast Forward to Today

Our cardinal conversation from North Carolina was brought back to my attention today as my friend saw a cardinal that quickly landed and took off again. He said that the bird-feeder below was the reason for its arrival and perhaps his coming was the reason for the departure. It makes you think about things around us a bit differently when the seemingly random sightings make you pause and reflect. Maybe they have a deeper and altogether more glaring purpose than we realize.

Cardinal Conversations

I was reminded of conversations and how powerful they can be. Not only is there power in conversations, but there is power in cardinal, or frequent conversations. There is power in connecting through social conversations as human beings, because by our very nature, we are social. I think about how Journey to the Y in You became a thing, because of conversation. I think about current writing projects that are gaining wings because individuals had a conversation. The conversation about the cardinal reminded me of my father, who worked tirelessly to be an example and role model. It reminded me of the fact that even during the most difficult times in life, and yes there have been some, that I am not alone. Isn’t it comforting to know that you can reach out and touch someone, even if it is virtually in a conversation?

When I think of current events, I can’t help but wonder about all of the good that is coming out of this and that will come out of this. Yes, I know it seem to happen by surprise and catch us all off guard, but I wonder how many more conversations we have had that we didn’t have time for prior to this. I know a lot has happened that is not good, but let us shift our focus to what is. How much more have you sent text messages, had Facetime, Google Hangout or Zoom calls to ease the burden felt during this time? How much more valuable are the cardinal conversations? Just like the cardinal in that reminded me that though it was difficult, things would be okay, I wonder how the need to have conversations and actually have them, has encouraged you.

In addition to this time out of the public spaces, it really has been a time of self-reflection and introspection for me. It has made me consider what really matters. It reignited the flames for things I was/am passionate about. It has allowed me to see myself. It has allowed me the opportunity to reach out to people, during a time when there are so many challenges. It has reminded me of the sobering fact that obstacles are nothing but guideposts that affirm your path. Opposition is the indication that we are headed in the right direction. Maybe we will look at obstacles a bit differently, not ignoring their encumbering character, however there is always something to gain from it, in this case, the power of conversations. Make it Cardinal!

The first video below was the ‘greeting’ of the red cardinal. The second of the videos is what I didn’t expect to happen. It was striking and at the same time, made me wonder what the significance of this experience was.

Be the Change.

Be the Change.

Yesterday, we discussed a quote by Mahatma Ghandi via RJ Palacio’s 365 Days of Wonder which states “Be the change that you want to see in the world.” What a profound quote during a time in United States history where nothing here on Earth seems certain. We discussed that one of the ways we can be that change is to be civil to one another and try our best to respect others by focusing on the changes we make within ourselves. One student spoke to the point:

We cannot change the world, however if we change ourselves, that change can influence others and bring about world change. If we are more introspective, then we enable ourselves to grab from an experience or set of experiences that we’ve had and utilize that to change something.

Interestingly, today’s quote was by Soren Kierkegaard and was very much in tandem with the previously mentioned quote by Mahatma Ghandi. The quote states: “Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards.” This quote sheds light on the fact that we have all had experiences that situate us in the world. Our very existence today may be based upon something we did yesterday, learned yesterday or experienced yesterday. For example, if I had the experience of pain associated with not stretching before and after working out, that experience helps me to understand what I should or should not do moving forward. The pain or misunderstanding or issue of the past, when reflected upon, has the power to guide my future actions.

So…if I want to see change in the world, I have to first be that change, insisting that an introspective, reflective, interpretive look at past events will aid in my change, so that I do not repeat the results of the past. As we continue to embrace things in life that we may have no control over, one thing is certain. We do have control over ourselves and whether or not we stay the same or we change. I don’t think the way I thought 5 years ago, or even 5 months ago. The cognitive dissonance I knew has shifted by way of experiences, lessons, realizations and learning. How will you be the change? What will you do differently?

Transformed by Vocabulary

How often do we take for granted the art of words? It is the very foundation by which we have the ability communicate. Letters have sounds that make words when they are put together. Those words make sentences and those sentences make paragraphs. Those paragraphs make stories thereby giving individuals the ability to comprehend and understand the different aspects of events and plot.

I must ask the question, how important is our ability to communicate? Moreover, how important is our ability to communicate effectively? As a teacher, I have always believed in the power of communication, the power of our words and the power of vocabulary. While vocabulary is not WHO I am, it does play a role in my identification of who I am. While words are a tool, they are powerful tools, that when used appropriately, can bring change to a room, a mind, or a circumstance. Not only that, your words have the power to heal, demonstrate love and influence others. We can find a great example in the man Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. himself. He did not mince words, nor did he need to. Instead he was creative. He utilized his tools in order to construct moving and life-changing messages that he would go on to deliver and transform the lives of everyone, and not just in his life, but years after his departure.

The Power of your Words

In Journey to the Y in You, chapter 9, it says, and I am quoting myself, “Words are like paint in which the writer becomes the artist and creates a masterpiece.” Truly, words have the inherent ability to paint a picture for the reader such that one can read and understand what is and is not written.

Word of the Day - My Students

For the past 5 years, I have embraced an area of teaching that I am literally fallen in love with and don’t know where I or my students might be without it. What started as an introduction to words and tools in which to speak and write has turned into a major motion picture of learning. I challenged them to use or identify use of their words of the day and earn ‘word wizard points’ that I would let them redeem for eating lunch in the classroom or other celebrations at the end of each marking period.

Well, not only did students grab hold of the idea with great tenacity, their parents have told me time and time again how much they utilize the words outside of school, habitually, almost to the extent of aggravation! Ha! I say mission accomplished. What more is that parents have addressed how much they have learned from the experience, whereby students are learning advanced words that are not always known by their parents and siblings. Parents too, have been transformed by the renewing of their minds..through the explicit and intentional teaching of vocabulary. Students have turned this into spontaneous Word of the Day debates, word of the day stories and creative projects. Most recently I had the opportunity to challenge students to create an environment in Minecraft that demonstrates their comprehensive understanding of their words. They were challenged to include at least 25 words and visually represent them. Ultimately they would act as tour guide, navigating us through the city as they explained their use and interpretation of their selected words.

Not only are these words taught explicitly with accompanying discussion and examples, they are challenged to use the word in context and respond to brief questions for application. Nevertheless, the true application of these words is that they use them and do so often so that these are words for life, not just for an academic year. When you establish high expectations, students will strive to meet them. Thus, these words are spoken and identified daily, by the students and myself to keep us all o our toes. They are utilized in writing and they are practiced orally on the daily, cementing these words to their lives. Not only have my students been ‘transformed by vocabulary, but so have their parents and quite frankly, so have I!

It's a Matter of Community

It’s a Matter of Community

In a recent edition of #FLEdChat (as part of the Diversity & Community focus), the topic was ‘It’s a Matter of Community.’ I will be reflecting back on these questions to highlight poignant responses made in the chat as well as offer my own perspectives.

Q1: It truly is a matter of community tonight. Community is not just a place but also a thing. It doesn’t magically build itself. We, the people must build it. What would you call community?

When I think about community, I consider both the location of events as well as the active interaction of individuals with similar or different perspectives. We all live in residential communities of some kind, however that doesn’t mean that we all experience ‘community.’ For the purpose of this writing, we will focus on the experience of community.

Corey said: “Community is events like edcamps and EdTech meet ups and edchats like this as well as conferences where our community all gets together!

Tammy Neil said “Community is the coming together of a variety of people with a variety of opinions for a common purpose or reason.

Doug Konopelko stated: “Community – a group of people gathered on common ground, albeit physical or otherwise.” 

The latter definition includes all of the Twitter chats, Google Hangouts, meetings on Skype and Zoom, podcasting, basically all of the things that phenomenal educators do in virtual spaces or outside-of-school spaces like Edcamps. While I do believe that some community could be connected to the school in which we work, I have experienced a much greater benefit from the aforementioned spaces.

Casey Swift said: “Community is bringing in people from around town to talk to the kids, build relationships, improve school climate and ensure the culture is represented.

Q2: Building community may be accomplished by asking questions and being an active listener. These are essential skills for learning. How can we both practice this ourselves as well as model and teach our students to practice these skills? 

Nathan S. stated: ‘This year I am really focusing on the idea of “Less of me is more of them.” Forces students to be the driver and me to be a better listener that pushes me to be a better question-asker.’

Q3:  "In every community, there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart, there is the power to do it.” – Marianne Williamson Thinking about the education community, what is one thing you believe needs to change (or continue) and how might we work to bring it to pass?

Tammy interjected: “Even when there seems to be a lack of diversity, there is still a diversity of experiences.” 

I wonder how we can expand our view of diversity so that we can dig deeper into experiences and draw from that well. How timely of her to do so as well because truly, what we may perceive as diversity, may only be the tip of the iceberg, or the most obvious sign of diversity. I think we should be careful though not to limit our views of diversity to what we see, therefore understanding too that what may NOT look like diversity, may very well be. It is the idea of diversity that helps us to establish community. I also like what Tammy said here:

A3: “Respect for a variety of opinions. Too many times communities become echo chambers and only allow similar views.”

 While there is certainly nothing wrong with agreement, it is okay to disagree and as we practice that ourselves, how much more can we model how to respectfully disagree to our students? The reality is that they won’t always agree, however there is a way to show them how disagreement can still add value to a conversation. The conversation continued with time and lack of empathy being identified as limitations; we should “seek first to understand.”

Q4: What are the big challenges to building community?

Do barriers exist? Have we put up walls, physical or otherwise? The truth is that walls exist and act as ways to keep people away from people and while building community doesn’t mean sharing your whole life story with everyone, it certainly precludes progress, when the established walls don’t allow for the interaction necessary for community. Mentoring is a way to engage with students and make them feel like they are a valuable part of the school community as well as reinforce the value of relationships and how much they add to one’s life. 

Q5: Finish this statement with your thinking, To me a community __________________ because _______________________.  

To me, a community grows because of passion and focus. (Doug)

To me, a community looks for opportunities because there isn’t just one way. (Dene)

Q6: Do you have a stellar example of community to share? What are the characteristics of the community and what might we learn from them as we work to build community where we are?  

Communities like #FLEdChat, #CleartheAir, #AllYallEDU, #AuthenticEDU and #FCITL Were among those communities mentioned.

Q7: “Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much” – Helen Keller What is one thing you would like to do with another class, another educator, etc. that might bring to life Helen Keller’s words? How can we fulfill these words?

Isn’t it wonderful that amazing platforms exist that support education? These platforms help make the world a bit more reachable. They also allow our students to see that they are a valuable part of it, each having a unique part of offer. Flipgrid helps students establish their voice and inspire others through audiovisual activities, connecting classrooms all around the globe. Most recently, I was able to connect my classroom to a classroom in New York for reflections on a student EdCamp that our classes both completed. Students met students and developed conversations on the topics of the edcamps, each being completely different. Students are excited to jump on and interact! Flipgrid made the space for learning to happen, of which students won’t forget.

Buncee is a student creation platform, inspiring them to take on creative projects with which to introduce a topic, represent a topic visually or demonstrate their understanding of a topic. This multi-modal platform has inspired many of my own students to take initiative by developing their own ideas into visual masterpieces. You don’t have to ask students to jump on Buncee; they log on at their leisure, at the ready. 

Belouga is a beauty of a platform that I have had the honor of not only introducing to students but having them utilize the platform to connect and learn with other students from areas across the globe. Not only does it make the world a bit more reachable for students, they understand just how big the world is, observing the diversity and differences in ways of life of different groups of people. They are inspired to serve, become philanthropists and give something to help others in different spaces achieve the learning that is necessary for students. Belouga is a brilliant way to motivate and engage students, while at the same time, having their work benefit students and schools in other countries. Check out “From Problem to Solution: Designing a Social Campaign.”

Book Creator is essentially what it says, the ability to create e-books. It is a great place to inspire students to be writers in a space dedicated to just that, writing. You bring in those audio or visual components as necessary but why not inspire students to write in electronic form and see something through from beginning to end?

Fresh Grade is a digital platform dedicated to documenting student learning and giving them the chance to demonstrate learning in multiple ways. Students, parents and teachers all have access to the platform and one of the greatest benefits was the development of community. All three parties can dialogue on the platform in a personalized student space that only the three of us can see. It can be likened to a student version of Facebook, with only three people having access to it. You can report academic progress made using multiple scales of measurement, perhaps a different one for each task. Students can self-reflect. Above all though, parents feel like a part of the learning and students are accountable and reflective learners. It does a lot for them when they can see that someone responds to them and they care about forward progress.

Community is not just a place, but a thing. A thing that is developed and cultivated. When community exists, then we understand the relevance of everyone and the roles that other people play, even in our own lives.