Our 4th day of camp and it was another amazing day. I learned so much and was pushed to the edge of my ideas again. I will admit that I was not very happy when I left camp today (I think Michelle and Kent can attest to this! 
) But after having time to process the event that caused my dispair (as well as taking some good headache meds and venting to the invisible passengers in my car), I am ready to blog out of my day. **Note: I have learned never to blog or email when emotionally on edge! **
During a conversation today, I was questioned once again about the intent of my project. I was once again questioned extensively about the legalities and about the purpose of it. I was probed about why I was doing this and would it really help the students. Why was I putting so much time into something that really wasn’t necessary? (ever get the feeling of deja vu?) Would you really be able to pull this off or will it just be another unfinished project on the shelf (could I put it on shelfari?)
I’m not sure why this conversation effected me so, but it did. I felt like no matter what walls I knocked down 15 more popped up. After letting go of the initial frustration and clearing my thoughts, this conversation has done a couple of things.
1. It has strengthened my resolve. I will find a way to do this because I hate being told that I can’t or shouldn’t something that I know could be valuable.
2. It has shown me that I will need to find a better way to present this to the parents and public (non-educators). I will need to show people the value behind the project.
3. It has helped me to find a new way to look at the problems that still lay ahead for me.
I plan to forge ahead and exhaust every avenue with this project.
Thanks to all you cyber-campers that have supported me and continue to support me in my pioneering (pathfinding) efforts.
It has been an incredible week of learning and discovery. I feel that I am being pushed to my limits and beyond and that is a good thing. I am a part of unique community that is on the cutting edge in our district. Keep moving forward!
See you all on Monday!
7 responses so far ↓
1
Richard
// Jun 5, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Dang. Bud–for some reason wordpress isn’t showing who wrote these entries, only the comments have names attached to them. For those of us who couldn’t be there in person, it would be nice if we could know who is writing each entry. Nicknames are fine, but this isn’t showing anything right now on any of the main blog entries.
I’d love to know what this was about–especially the legalities aspect.
Lost in Cyberspace,
Richard G
2
myrag
// Jun 5, 2008 at 5:25 pm
Amy,
I am SO glad that you will not abandon your vision and project. There are, and will be, many obstacles and cynics. I really do think that we are looking at new ways of learning (some are not ready) — thank you for being one of the agents of change.
You stated: “I will find a way to do this because…I know [it]could be valuable.” Enough said. Go forth and conquer!
3
Kay
// Jun 5, 2008 at 5:47 pm
Hi Amy,
I’m sorry that your week ended with this kind of frustration. I can’t wait to see your project in the works this coming year, and I know that I will be coming to you later wanting tips about using podcasting in my classes!
You’ve been a great help to me this week – I’m really excited about the new look on my webpage that you helped me create
Keep up the good work! We all need inspiration from each other.
4
Bud Hunt
// Jun 5, 2008 at 8:24 pm
Richard – I noticed that names dropped off of entries some time today – which is weird, because they were there prior – I’ll take a look.
Amy – People will always disagree and will always question what you’re doing – we should all question. If you think what you’re up to is the right thing to be up to, then go get ‘em. We’ve got your back. (And we know you’re right, which helps, I think.)
5
myrag
// Jun 5, 2008 at 9:09 pm
Bud,
I’ve noticed that when you navigate horizontally (the next/previous nav arrows on the top), the blog authors do not show on the post. If you navigate vertically (main page and search down), they do show. I’m not sure that I’m liking some of the Wordpress changes…
6
Richard
// Jun 6, 2008 at 5:58 am
Bud and Myra– Thanks. As long as I know how to find the names I’m fine. I subscribed by email to this event and the emails have no names, either. But, Myra’s observation works for me.
Amy–I was watching the movie ONCE yesterday and there was a line in it that went:
“There comes a point in every fight
When giving up seems like the only way”
Of course the point of the song is to NOT give up, so keep pushing on with your plan.
Richard G
7
Connie Masson
// Jun 6, 2008 at 11:49 am
Bud,
I too have not had names on the original posts, only the comments and I subscribed via email. I just looked at the salutation in the comments to figure out who made the original post.
Amy,
I am so impressed with your communications! I haven’t read anything about your frustrations except this post, but am so impressed with how you reported out what was said that frustrated you, how you dealt with it, and how you communicated to gain support from your teammates. You go girl! I wish everyone in life would do that!!
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