As I sit at the airport waiting for my flight to sun shiney LA, I can’t help but smile at what a year it has been since the last time I apprehensively sat in an airport, waiting to go to ASCD.

My opportunity came at the hand of George Couros. His urging that I attend last year…experience an out of state national conference, alone, certainly wasn’t something I felt comfortable doing. Alone? At a conference? eek!

Little did I realize how “not alone” I was going to be. Over stimulated puts it mildly. The sessions were incredible, the resources refreshing, and the press room atmosphere was impressive. Sitting and listening to Maya Angelou speak, watching fingers fly on keyboards around the room was a memory I’ll cherish. Meeting people who I now communicate with daily has changed the way I do what I do…in a great way. If I’d gone with someone, or had someone else to “follow” around, I know the relationships I developed wouldn’t have happened. They were just what I needed right when I needed them.

This year? Going alone hasn’t even crossed my mind. I’m rooming with Joan and Erin, hanging with Angela, dinnering with Kyle and Krissy…I’ve got friends all over. Friends who are passionate about what they do, who inspire me to be better, and who believe in the good of education and students. Add in Sir Ken Robinson and Daniel Pink…and you have yourself a recharging weekend like no other.

I can’t wait, ASCD! Thanks for having me!

LA bound,
Amber