It’s hard to believe that after a year of waiting and trying to get into the Google Teacher Academy, that I am now sitting on my a flight with the final destination being San Jose, California.
I’ve learned through the defeat of not getting into #gtachi last summer that it’s sometimes good to experience disappointment. Sometimes we need the push to make ourselves better. This last year has been a year of self-improvement in many ways.
Twitter honestly became a lifeline anytime I got stuck or discouraged this last year. My PLN grew from 50 online educators to nearly 900 in 12 months. When I have a problem at work or am not sure how to begin a global project, I now look to Twitter and the amazing people I’ve connected with online.
#MexEdChat was just a dream a year ago today. It started as an idea that has now changed lives around Latin America and the world. Being a part of something so much bigger than my little self has given me meaning to keep striving towards excellence. To collaborate and grow with educators in Spanish and English around the world is exciting.
Our classrooms are no longer just 25 kids with 4 walls, we are talking with kids all over the globe as we Skype, Hangout, write letters, send videos and blog about what is happening in our lives. When I think of the potential we have as teachers today, it blows my mind. Studying Rome or South Africa becomes alive today as we don’t base our studies on outdated textbooks and can actually talk to kids living in those places.
Pushing myself to use Spanish and give bilingual trainings around Mexico has not always been easy, I still make mistakes in the language and doubt my abilities with the topics on hand. Just as I encourage my students to step out of their comfort zones, I’ve done the same this last year and am amazed at how much I’ve grown.
Going to conferences alone and not having anyone to lean on has been hard at times yet amazing as I find myself surrounded by educators who are changing the world one day at a time by building relationships that will never die out. It’s funny as I think about this since as a kindergartner I was that “quiet student” who always got seated with the loud, obnoxious boys to balance out the table. I’ve learned that speaking up and putting myself out there is worth it.
Applying for new tech jobs and being denied was tough, yet I can now see in retrospective that it all worked out for the best. I have learned more about what I need to improve and how I can grow to be the best educator I can be. Though doors were shut, new ones opened and I am excited to see where my new position in Middle School will take me.
Education today has changed dramatically since I was a student and I’m so happy to be a part of an intense global online community. The people I’m about to meet in Mountain View, California have so much experience and expertise in the field of education today and I can’t wait to learn from/with the best of the best!
So as my Mom always says, “Make some memories and enjoy every day.” Here goes nothing, #gtamtv let’s make some memories and enjoy this incredible experience together!
