Back in November, I decided to take a social media sabbatical. I really wanted to reevaluate why I was as involved as I was online and what my true purpose entailed. Professionally, I’d been burned this past semester and needed some distance. Personally, I felt overwhelmed and unsure of my “presence”. ( I really have THAT many friends??) (albeit, this prolly had more to do with the being burned part.;))

GC wrote a post about the irony of trying to keep your personal life and professional life separate and how impossible he thought that was.

After my sabbatical, I concur.

I asked the question of whether it was essential for a leader to be involved in SM: whether it be FB or Twitter or whatnot, and at the end of my month, I do know that for me, it is. I was no less busy, no less occupied, but I did feel as if I was missing something.

I read several books…but had no one to discuss them with.

I thought several PD thoughts…but had no one to dissect them with.

I had several questions…but no one to ask them.

The brevity of learning through my PLN is unmatched through blogs, texts, or even phone calls. Not knowing and being involved with my teachers (some who are true FRIENDS), was difficult. I genuinely felt as if I wasn’t able to connect in the ways that were important to me. Some days are SO busy, I don’t get to every classroom, but being able to interact through a form of SM keeps me connected.

While talking to a colleague at work, whose opinion I definitely value, she again pointed out that 10 years ago, it wasn’t necessary to be “online” to be successful, and those people did just fine. Compare that thought to a fabulous sorority sister who I shared that with and she said, “Yea…but this isn’t the same world!”

And that’s the bottom line. I can’t lead from a place of fear. I can’t be different than who I am. I will be involved because it DOES make me a better person, and hopefully, a better leader.

So there.

 

sabbatical stopN,

Amber

 

PS: VERY curious as to other admin’s thoughts on “friending/tweeting” your teachers…and what your experience has been!