I think I’ve done a top ten or 5 take-away post or a what to do list for every conference I’ve gone to since I’ve been blogging.
It typically revolved around a couple of great ideas, ways to grow, and ways to move forward.
Post #TCEA17, which was full of great ideas, and even greater people…I find myself this time in a place of reflection and respect for the relationships that are in my world. There is something humbling about being surrounded by AWESOME and realizing how very much more you have to learn, and to see, and to know.
I hope I am never one of those people who walk away from an opportunity to have the kind of connections that conferences, social media, and tools like Voxer can now provide, and think “Meh. I already know all this stuff. I’m/we’re so ahead of ______. (Insert edtech term here) ” I went to BLC in 2009 and remember asking my then tech director about this crazy tool called twitter. How oh so quickly he dismissed me, saying, “Meh. We don’t need connections like that.” So very short sighted of him, (Literally…what was said. In the airport in Boston I was wearing green converse. THAT’S how much I remember that conversation!!)
Friends who challenge…and push back on status quo.
Ideas you don’t agree with…but appreciate the passion behind.
Having friends help you see that your growth can be in another place…and that is ok.
( I actually have an entire other post written for just this one statement. If you’re not following Sanee Bell, you should be.)
Ideas that take root…and then branch out to your people.
Conversations that lift you up, make you laugh and help you BE A BETTER YOU. ( Dean, Matt, Tom, Adam, Eric, Aaron, Marlena…I mean. Honestly!)
Man…I hope I never walk away thinking, meh. I don’t need that. Because friends, that’s what we want for our students, isn’t it? To always be learners, who grow, and support, and challenge. Who support, inspire, and motivate. Who can develop supportive relationships because in this walk of life you never know which twist your road will take and who you might need along the way
If the smartest person in the room is the room…I am thankful for those in my room. Need a bigger room? Let’s talk…no meh’ing allowed!
Amber
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