Mrs. Fisher, I'm on My Way...
I called school today to give our Red Cedar address to Greenwood's infamous school secretary, Mrs. Fisher. (I was hoping that she might pass it along so that my students might access this site). I started rambling on about our blog and podcasting, yaddah, yaddah, and got a "You're doing what?!" I love Mrs. Fisher. Maybe I'll interview her using my brand-spanking new San Disc when I return and bring her into this still somewhat foreign world to me.
Anyhow, I moved on to tell Mrs. Fisher all about the gorgeous lobby of the William Penn Omni Hotel, the location of my group's two presentations. I described the 50-foot high ceilings (yes, I'm exaggerating...but only a little), the gilded architecture and lighting, and the brilliantly illuminated Christmas tree. Her response? "Don't forget to come home." Bless her. She understood that this place is pretty darn special.
Yes, I have enjoyed my Pittsburgh experience so far. Even the talking part--somewhat. Today during my group's first break-out session of our presentation, I froze up. Troy was my partner for the small group talk, and he tried to kindly turn the floor over to me. I looked at him and thought, "Oh my goodness; this is just like talking in front of my my principal!" And I looked around the table to see at least ten technology experts (those who talk "geek speak," as one commented). Holy cow! At that point I felt too self-conscious to process the words that I needed to say in front of these worldly folks!
But I made it. I stepped up to the plate in that fantastic hotel and reminded myself that I was doing something that I ask my students to do every day...take a risk. I am so thankful for the Eleanor Roosevelt quote that Troy employs on his digital portfolio: "You must do the things you think you cannot do." How can I ask my students to respond to this philosophy unless I model a go-get-'em behavior myself? So here I am , eeking out a voice for others (and myself?) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The fancy hotel with two-ton chandeliers, a Nutcracker-esque growing, glittering Christmas tree, and gold-covered walls...well, these things are just the really great perks of a phenomenal learning weekend.
So yes, Mrs. Fisher, I'll come home. And you'll hear my voice a little louder when I do.
Anyhow, I moved on to tell Mrs. Fisher all about the gorgeous lobby of the William Penn Omni Hotel, the location of my group's two presentations. I described the 50-foot high ceilings (yes, I'm exaggerating...but only a little), the gilded architecture and lighting, and the brilliantly illuminated Christmas tree. Her response? "Don't forget to come home." Bless her. She understood that this place is pretty darn special.
Yes, I have enjoyed my Pittsburgh experience so far. Even the talking part--somewhat. Today during my group's first break-out session of our presentation, I froze up. Troy was my partner for the small group talk, and he tried to kindly turn the floor over to me. I looked at him and thought, "Oh my goodness; this is just like talking in front of my my principal!" And I looked around the table to see at least ten technology experts (those who talk "geek speak," as one commented). Holy cow! At that point I felt too self-conscious to process the words that I needed to say in front of these worldly folks!
But I made it. I stepped up to the plate in that fantastic hotel and reminded myself that I was doing something that I ask my students to do every day...take a risk. I am so thankful for the Eleanor Roosevelt quote that Troy employs on his digital portfolio: "You must do the things you think you cannot do." How can I ask my students to respond to this philosophy unless I model a go-get-'em behavior myself? So here I am , eeking out a voice for others (and myself?) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The fancy hotel with two-ton chandeliers, a Nutcracker-esque growing, glittering Christmas tree, and gold-covered walls...well, these things are just the really great perks of a phenomenal learning weekend.
So yes, Mrs. Fisher, I'll come home. And you'll hear my voice a little louder when I do.
posted by Tara at 11:45 PM
1 Comments:
Tara, you are my role model. I'll try to well up my courage--as you did--and do an interview tomorrow!
Janet
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