Those who have been following my Twitter and Instagram profiles know that this summer has been been extremely busy, yet GREAT! While I have had no summer vacation, I can say that I am enjoying what I have been doing as a result of the Aspiring Leaders Program. Recently, I had the opportunity to travel to Denver for ISTE 2016 with several people from the department I am working with this Summer. I am going to say that was truly one of the BEST EXPERIENCES I have had.
One of the best experiences I had while at ISTE was probably doing indoor skydiving at iFly Denver along with other friends and colleagues from my district. Those of you who know me know my motto, "Don't judge me." LOL! But seriously, while the video above is me, it shows how challenging indoor skydiving was. As a result though, I learned a little more about myself. One lesson I learned was while at times I can get afraid, I still push through and persist in times of a challenge.
Another major highlight was being able to present this year. Can I say I was a little nervous?! I mean it was my first time speaking nationally/internationally (considering the conference is called the International Society for Technology in Education). But as I started speaking, my nerves went away quickly. And I think that was because I was presenting on some my passions...K-5 Mathematics and instructional practices. It is shocking to an extent when you are knowledgeable and passionate, how everything will come together and allow you to flow! I took two things away from presenting. One, always make sure you understand your purpose in life. Do not do something just because, for fame, for money, because you just to get your name out there, to move up, but really understand what the purpose is for what you want to do. Dr. Myles Monroe said it best, "When purpose is not known, abuse is inevitable." The other thing I took from this experience is when you follow your passion, others can see it and opportunities will manifest.
However, the best part of ISTE 2016 was...the people! I tell people all the time the sessions maybe great at ISTE. You may enjoy the vendor hall; but the best part is always the people! Connections and authentic relationships are key at events like ISTE! It was so good to see my POCedTech goup, meeting others, hanging out with my district people, and most importantly, catching up my big sisters Knikole, Patricia, and Shaina as well as hanging out with my big brothers Adam and Josue. What good is going to a conference of this magnitude without meeting new people, forming great relationships, and continuing to build the bonds you have built? A few people kept telling me, "You know every doggone body!" I laughed. Lies. Like I told them, I am shy, but they did not believe it. I am normally very shy and reserved. However, I also recognized the magnitude of where we were and also many of the people I was speaking to and conversing with were not strangers! That's key. I am a person who believes in the importance of authentic relationships! Relationships matter! Relationships matter because PEOPLE MATTER. On that note, I am closing this reflection (drop mic). But feel free to catch up on some of the pictures from ISTE (including my food pics! I like eat! Don't judge me!)
Another major highlight was being able to present this year. Can I say I was a little nervous?! I mean it was my first time speaking nationally/internationally (considering the conference is called the International Society for Technology in Education). But as I started speaking, my nerves went away quickly. And I think that was because I was presenting on some my passions...K-5 Mathematics and instructional practices. It is shocking to an extent when you are knowledgeable and passionate, how everything will come together and allow you to flow! I took two things away from presenting. One, always make sure you understand your purpose in life. Do not do something just because, for fame, for money, because you just to get your name out there, to move up, but really understand what the purpose is for what you want to do. Dr. Myles Monroe said it best, "When purpose is not known, abuse is inevitable." The other thing I took from this experience is when you follow your passion, others can see it and opportunities will manifest.
However, the best part of ISTE 2016 was...the people! I tell people all the time the sessions maybe great at ISTE. You may enjoy the vendor hall; but the best part is always the people! Connections and authentic relationships are key at events like ISTE! It was so good to see my POCedTech goup, meeting others, hanging out with my district people, and most importantly, catching up my big sisters Knikole, Patricia, and Shaina as well as hanging out with my big brothers Adam and Josue. What good is going to a conference of this magnitude without meeting new people, forming great relationships, and continuing to build the bonds you have built? A few people kept telling me, "You know every doggone body!" I laughed. Lies. Like I told them, I am shy, but they did not believe it. I am normally very shy and reserved. However, I also recognized the magnitude of where we were and also many of the people I was speaking to and conversing with were not strangers! That's key. I am a person who believes in the importance of authentic relationships! Relationships matter! Relationships matter because PEOPLE MATTER. On that note, I am closing this reflection (drop mic). But feel free to catch up on some of the pictures from ISTE (including my food pics! I like eat! Don't judge me!)