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Valentine's Day to Me

2/14/2023

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Back in October, I had the fortune to meet Kimberly Mitchell in-person at the Crafting Inquiry Conference in Portland, Oregon.  At the time, she asked if I would like to be an Inquiry Spotlight for her newsletter.  Of course, I immediately agreed and went on my merry way. 

The journey of writing my spotlight was revelatory.  Many feelings and ideas had been percolating for some time, but the spotlight allowed me to express them more fully.  
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Here's a picture of me from 1980.  I'm sporting the classic rainbow heart t-shirt, which was my all-time favorite.  I'm so glad that I have a picture of me wearing this shirt, because this it represents who I am to the core.  I'm all hearts and rainbows.  I wear my heart on my sleeve.  I repeatedly show love to everyone that I meet.  It might be wearing rose-colored glasses, but it's how I'm built.  I love to give love.  I love to shower others with happiness in order to brighten their day.  It's how I was raised as a child into a young adult.  It's who I am.  

As an adult, I do this in a variety of ways.  They are all real whether it's sending a kind message on social media or crafting meaningful learning experiences for my learners. 
​I've often wondered what has triggered this kindness factor.  This past year, it all came together, when I learned from my father that I didn't speak English until I moved to the US at 41/2 years old.  It all clicked into place.  This explains the reason that I naturally gravitate towards children with learning and language difficulties, because I was one. 

Another thing that clicked in my mind was the reason I was such an introverted child all throughout school and life until I turned 22.  I was a selective mute.  I only knew one language and it wasn't accepted in the new country that I moved to, so I became quiet. 
Ms. Cathy Hively was my 6th grade co-teacher, along with Mr. Jones.  She was the first single, female teacher who loved science.  I remember the feeling of coming alive in her class.  I was curious about how the world worked and all the nuances of the topics.  Ms. Hively made learning exciting for introverts.  I began to come out of my shell and she pushed me to become better through her guiding hand.  This is the power of an educator helping you to open your eyes to learning in a new way.  I was seen for who I was was and not what the world wanted me to be. 
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I recently reconnected with Cathy on Facebook and we've had a long chat about life, challenges, and our relationship.  It was like no time had passed and I was speaking to a long lost kindred spirit. 

One day, you will have the same encounter with a student you have touched.  Let the experience wash over you and take it all in. 
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To find my inquiry spotlight, look for this picture.  Eek!  I can't believe that's my face on Kimberly Mitchell's website.  I'm must be living the best life. 
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  • About
  • Connection
    • Blog
    • Book Club
    • Collaboration
    • Culture
    • Leadership
    • Podcast
    • Shout-Outs
    • Sketch Club
  • Authenticity
    • Action
    • Agency
    • Culturally Responsive Learning
    • Inclusion & Learning Support
    • International-Mindedness
    • Learner Profile Attributes
    • Well-Being
  • Redesign
    • Approaches to Learning (Skills)
    • Assessment
    • Concepts
    • Specialist & Supporting Classes
    • Subjects
    • Transdisciplinary Learning
    • Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
  • Exploration
    • Design Thinking
    • Inquiry
    • Learning Spaces
    • Library Spaces
    • Play & Playfulness
    • Technology
    • Traveling Teacher
  • Training
    • Support
    • Workshops
    • Extra