Day 5

Yesterday, I was reminded that College life never sleeps. When I was teaching first grade, and dismissal was over, the school would all of the sudden be "quiet"......not because teachers would run out the door....trust me when I say the teachers I worked with are truly dedicated and spend countless hours to provide their students with engaging opportunities to succeed both in and out of the classroom......the silence came because the students were gone....but yesterday, I didn't realize what time it was until I looked at the clock...I didn't realize how late it was because of the constant activity. I think if my contacts weren't glued to my eyes I could have worked later into the night just because of the constant motion throughout the building ....

Thinking about dedicated teachers reminds me of the dedicated educators I have had the privilege of working for  throughout my career. These wonderful people have helped me get to where I am today...

Marilyn R. - My first official boss - it's how I became a first grade teacher - she hired me - she was one heck of an administrator -truly dedicated - spent endless hours at school (even after being an administrator for many decades)- ran a tight ship (every day when I pulled into the lot I always looked for her car) - but she challenged you....a challenge that I will never forget....she retired after my first year of teaching.....I don't think it had anything to do with me! To her, I say thank you!

Cindy C. - or as she likes to be called "Saint C". She established a summer program at the grade school I attended....I also had her as my 7/8 grade English teacher......she taught me that the word "stuff" does not exist and that "alot" is two words! As a veteran teacher, she went along with the enthusiasm of the novices that she hired to be part of the summer program staff. She proved that standing in knee high seaweed infested water just so children can cool off on a hot day can be entertaining.....she showed me that riding on a bus with 40+ screaming children never gets old....even though I never touched the "Tag and Relay" book that she so diligently put together, she supported my decisions....she trusted me to handle things when she would leave for the afternoon. I still consider her my boss! To her, I say thank you!

Robin Q.- She listened to me .....first as a college student and then as her Graduate Assistant.....She provided me with opportunities to guest speak in her classes....she provided me with opportunities to present at conferences...she never doubted me....she encouraged me....she taught me how to make a presentation last longer than 15 minutes....I learned a great deal from her and still do, today....including her love of plastic clapping hands! To her, I say thank you!

Janice W.- She was one of the first devoted educators that I encountered during my college career. I did not come to really know her until I was student teaching. As the director of student teaching, she set forth strong requirements....but not to make our lives miserable, but rather to make us see what we can really do! Once I graduated and returned to work on my Masters, I had the opportunity to have her as one of my professors. If she taught more courses, I would have taken every one.....she is a walking encyclopedia when it comes to education. As I continued through graduate school we would have many chats...and still do to this day....her dedication has been a true motivator. Last year, I had the opportunity to teach my first college course...I am not sure how she new of my interest...perhaps it was my constant hints!  From teaching first grade to then teaching college students....not a problem....because I knew she would be there to guide me every step of the way! To her, I say thank you!

Leanne R.- My present boss (not sure if she has realized yet what she got her self into by hiring me!). I am where I am today, because of her....for the Carpe Diem Academy is her dream....her vision....I am just here to support her in this quest to change the world! She has encouraged me to not give up...to not quit...she has supported me throughout many difficult times....she has also opened many doors for me.....including teaching at the university level. I am honored to be working for such a dedicated educator. To her, I say thank you!

As you can see, it's not just one person that makes an impact on who you become...one person will not change the world, either. I am certain many people are skeptical .....many naysayers....and it is because of that, that I end the week with this quote...."Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."-Mark Twain......Seize the Day!!!!

Happy Friday!

Carpe Diem!

Amy