Cherie's Random Thoughts

A Caring Professor May Be Key in How a Graduate Thrives - Administration - The Chronicle of Higher Education The above article is a reminder of the impact one educator can have on the life of a learner, whether child or adult, the impact is tremendous. In the current social climate many adult learners as well children lack role models that will help them thrive not only as a student but in their professional life. I have seen the power of great educator and the power of less desired one. Great educators have keen sense of seeing potential in their students and seeing beyond their rough exterior. They model what they want in their students and because of that the often get back what they give (outside the outliers). Teaching comes with heavy burden. Although it is up to the learner to be willing to try and give their best and educator must never let their heart get harden by the changes in student behavior.

Fighting your inner demons, dealing with frustrations of outside influences and your fear of being a catalyst of change is exhausting on the body. It often causes your body to rebel and cause great pain. This cycle of pain often comes when changes occur in your life. As an educator I am torn by inner desire to give those that I come across 100% percent, yet find that my bucket is not always full when I needed. Waiting for bucket filler is not productive and must remember what is most important for me: making sure that people are seen as human being first and problems second. Whether you are working with a child or an adult it makes no difference. The cycle of change must be fueled with three things: compassion and what Eric Thomas calls...."Rise and Grind." When we "rise and grind" we know that change requires you to first look at yourself to find out how what you can change in yourself to improve the situation you seek to improve. It is about taking own...

Within the dedicated teacher's heart lies, what Jon Bon Jovi says is the t hree P's: Passion + Persistence=Possibilities .  A dedicated teacher understands that must teach beyond STEM and help our students develop an understanding of the importance of incorporating the three P's into everything they do.  Jon Bon Jovi goes on further to say that, "Nothing is more important than passion.  No matter what you want to do with your life, be passionate.  The world doesn't need any more gray.”  This statement is right on target.  Every day on many social media channels, you hear many people professing their love for the gray and ignoring the beauty in life.  Over the past 40 years of my life, I have met countless people who have proven that the gray can be pushed out of your life even in the direst of circumstances.  Teachers have the power in conjunction with great parenting to build up a child's resilience in a child so that they becom...

"The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called the "truth.”  -Dan Rather  As we approach the month dedicated to teachers, I am reminded of the power of a teacher.  A great teacher is one that you never forget in spirit.  You may forget their name, but you will never forget the energy they gave you to give best.  All too often, you hear of teachers who do the opposite, those that burn rather than build.  The great ones are simply magical.  They meet you in your dreams and whisper to you, "Keep going!"  When defeat or failure is at your door, you hear thunderous roar-"Try again."  Although I cannot remember all of my teachers names, except one (Dr. Susan Miller), I do remember what they gave me.  They taught me to be compassionate with my students with a dose of truth.  They taught me that it is better ...

April 1, 2014  For this day, I am grateful for my sweetie for the following reasons: His voice  His eyes and legs.  His ability to make me feel like the only person in the room! Always!  His intelligence  His support of my professional and academic endeavors.  His support during my mother's death.  His skills ......... (For our eyes only!)  His playful side.  The enormous amount of memories we have collected over our 10 year long distance relationship. The South Dakota trips was legendary one and our tour of the volcanic mountains of the Pacific Northwest was priceless. And who knew Omaha, Nebraska ROCKS!!!  My sweetie is definitely my soulmate who was sealed with approval with by mother in the beginning of our relationship and shortly before her death. I am truly blessed.  What did I learn over the past 21 days? We really need as human beings need to take time to tell those we love that we are grateful for their pr...

March 31, 2014  For this day, I am grateful this group of people the following reasons: They are the mojo behind my unbridled amount of energy. The more I interact with them the more energy I get. Because of them I get to experience joy EVERY DAY!  Their abilities to share their joys, pains, and fears with me. As human being who needs to really know those I interact with I am thankful that they freely share with me.  When I challenge them, even though they may want to push back, they always step up to plate. Often surprising me.  For all of them who take responsibility for their PD outside of where they traditionally would find it. Just makes me scream "YES! YES! YES!" One of trademarks of a great human being is one who takes responsiblity for their own knowledge. 

March 30, 2014  For this day, I am grateful this person the following reasons: Here committment to excellence. She was always honing her craft as a educator. A rarity during my career and I am grateful I know her. Always put her STUDENTS first!!!  Her friendship. One of the first people to accept me into my new job in 2007.   For all my hand me downs. I hate to shop but I love hand me downs! A good portion of my closet has been donated by her!  Her ability to spread joy. Here spirit is an infectious one and smile alway brings people together.