"In general, I do not like giving speeches. Giving a speech requires standing in front of large groups of people while they look at you, and it also requires talking. I can do the regular part OK. However, the you looking and the me talking... I am not a fan. I get this overwhelming feeling of fear. Terror. Dry mouth, heart beats super fast, everything gets a little bit SLOW motion. Like I might pass out. Or die. Or poop my pants or something (Dartmouth, 2014)."
Her view of speeches is similar to my opinion of writing. Truth be told I do not mind writing, I just have issues with others reading what I have written. I could write all day if I were the only one reading it. Knowing others may read the words I wrote; the words that Shonda said at Dartmouth, echo in my mind; “Dry mouth.
I have worked in the education field for almost 15 years. For the past seven years, I focused my career on the emerging development of educational technology. I earned my Master’s degree at Columbia University in New York. During my work at Columbia, I was able to assist in the development in one of the 21st century learning theories and skills that several years ago were emerging. This was an exciting time education. Concurrently, I was working for Apple Education, which began the expansion or more so the creation of the mobile learning community. I became a Mobile Learning Technologist, which I still am today. I am considered to be an Apple Educator (which is slightly different from an Apple Distinguished Educator, but about the same). Professionally, I am in a moment of reflection and regrouping. I have spent the last five years as an Educational Technologist.
We have two seasons here in South Florida, hot and hotter. This makes it difficult for me to enjoy my favorite pastime thoroughly is running. I started running four years ago after meeting two amazing people who inspired me to do what I thought was once the impossible. I have set a “40 x 40 challenge” for myself. This challenge means I am training to earn 40 meaningful medals before I am 40 years old. Since Aug 2011, I have received 36 of those 40 medals and have completed over 48 races in all. I have the wonderful privilege of being coached by the most inspirational person in my life, my 9- year-old daughter, Lexi. Lexi is a pure gift; I met her when she was three days old and was blessed to bring her home when she was two months old. There has since never been a dull moment. We enjoy many outdoor activities besides running, including the beach, swimming, cycling and recently have begun training for our first mother-daughter (family) triathlon.
Reference:
Dartmouth College (2014, June 8). Shonda Rhimes
I look forward to our discussions in this class!
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