Reflecting on the Wonderful Madness

The past few weeks have allowed for a whirlwind of events, and I think reflecting on them is appropriate as I start to finish out my first term back in grad school. Since my last post we have witnessed an historic election that brings about many emotions, I have been able to serve on a search committee for the Agriculture Sciences, Education, and Leadership Department, witness the efforts of our student teachers, progress the development of an Induction Program for our California Ag Teachers, write countless papers, and engage in conversations that reassure my decision to embark on a Ph.D. adventure.

This election...

Is at the forefront of my mind as I predicted its outcome from the beginning of campaign season. I have a unique amalgamation of friends (on and off social media) who span the political spectrum. From the agriculturists and corporate Americans to my LGBT community, and government and education professionals I have seen so much dialogue that frustrates me, but inspires me at the same time. I am thankful that people are having meaningful conversations, yet starting to realize the need for reationality and optimism as we move forward. Thank you for realizing that one election is hardly the end as it is an opportunity to make sure that our voices - collectively and continually - are heard. I am also thankful for the individuals in my program whom have been able to have educated and open minded conversations. I'm optimistic for what the future holds.

Search Committees...

Are a democratic means to and end; in my case we have found a new office manager who will step up our game in amazing ways! I am honored and privileged to have served on a committee of four individuals who sought to replace an unreplacable soul on our team. This process was hard to fit in days so filled with all of the intricacies of a Graduate Teaching Assistant, but well worth the experience. I'm inspired by the international flare of individuals who submitted their applications, and I feel like I am truly valued for my opinion and desire for nothing less than the best for our dynamic program.

Induction programs for teachers...

Have been bouncing around my head since my initiation to the profession because of their complexity. I am amazed at the work I have been able to do with a special team of four dedicated individuals from the California Agriculture Teachers Association (CATA). This team was formed by the collaborative efforts of our Vision 2030 process, and it gives me faith that meaningful transformation within education is actually possible. My teammates in this endeavor might venture to say that I am the grand coordinator of all of these efforts, but it would all be for not without their dedication as busy agriculture teachers and connected community members. They inspire me to dedicate hours of volunteering time because they see the potential in their individually concerted efforts. I'm excited to see this opportunity develop for the sake of making life easier for all of the new agriculture teachers entering our profession. Here's to being the change!

The student teachers...

Are people whom I don't get to connect with often in the beginning of this process, but bring a nostalgia back that inspires hope. I have witnessed their efforts in demonstrating shop equipment, and I come back to something we always tell them, "you'll be shocked at how much more you know about content than those you teach." It's fun to see new teachers take your advice - based in years of experience - and turn it in to action for the benefit of their students. I look forward to being able to work with them more in the coming months.

"Oh the places you will go..."

Is a phrase by Dr. Seuss that adequately starts a conversation about this new life of a graduate student that I have embarked on. Not only has my new challenge drastically changed my location from my previous life experiences, but it has challenged my constitution in ways that I could only have imagined. I'm shocked at how much reading I'm capable of, and how many thoughts turn into sentences and pages of submissions revolving topics of discovered interests. The stress of it all overbears the growth that is acutally taking place, and I'm only just seeing the beginning of it. I am so optimistic at where this program will lead me that the light usually overshadows the dark. It comes in different colors, thanks to Haley.

On a personal note...

It is hard to be so far away from my family that is growing every day without me. It's one of the hardest realizations about walking through this door of opportunity. Although I like to consider myself a strong and independent person, the interim sacrifices are real and humbling. I'm thankful for social media keeping me in the loop, and the fact that my nieces and nephews can bring light to every day for me. I'm thankful for the new friends and relationships that have come in to my life because you all provide solace for me in this whirlwind adventure of wonderful madness.