So Long, Farewell...

Although this is the last week for all of your blogging adventures, I hope that some of you will continue to post information on your blogs. You are all living is such an interesting time in our history. You have the ability to truly be heard through the tools of technology. Social networking sites such as YouTube, Facebook, and Blogger allow you to share your ideas with friends around the corner and peers across the world. To not take advantage of such a powerful tool is a shame and a travesty. Don't get me wrong - I certainly do not think you should rely only on technology to share your thoughts, but I do believe that the use of technology should become an essential tool in your arsenal for communication.

And really, when it comes down to the nitty-gritty, it is ALL about effective communication. Having the ability to effectively communicate your ideas orally, textually, and visually will get you far in life. But, effective communication is not just about sharing ideas, it is also about understanding how other ideas are shared with you. A clear understanding of all of the information being communicated to you relies upon a broad knowledge base (which hopefully you are getting through your schooling), active, analytical observation and listening, and reflection. The world has much to offer, but if you allow it all to enter your mind passively, you will be easily controlled and manipulated.

While living in a place like Weston, it is easy to take your education for granted. Hell, it is handed to you on a silver platter. You don't have to seek it out, you don't have to fight for it, you don't even have to take advantage of it. But, through thick and thin, it is there. This is not the case in many other places in the world. So, for my last class post, I want to leave you with a parting bit of advice that I hope you will never forget. What you have in your life is special. You are given the opportunity to improve your body and mind through a free education. You have access to a plethora of books, resources, technology, and ideas. Use it well. Not everyone has these opportunities.

To conclude this final post I would like you to take a couple of minutes to read a news report about a place across the world. This place does not offer all of its citizens an education. But, somehow, someway, they find a way to seek one out...

Going Green

The more I travel, the more I appreciate this planet. I have had the opportunity to visit many climates, terrains, and locales and I have found beauty in every single one. One of my favorite places is Clovelly, England, a tiny village built into the side of a cliff. You enter the village from the top and meander down the cobblestone streets, stopping in shops and cafes along the way. The walk down is steep and rather dangerous but it is a quaint place where people are willing to lend a hand if necessary. As you walk down the village a view of the ocean is always in the distance, teasing, tempting you to the bottom so you can take a dip in the cool water. The village ends at the harbor where small boats are arriving from an early morning fishing expedition. While standing in the water you can look up to the village or to the left and right and marvel at the English cliff faces, jutting out into the sea. When you have had your fill of sight seeing you can wander over to the village restaurant where you are served a meal of the same fish that was caught only hours ago.

It is because of places like this and my own home, that I am passionate about saving the Earth. We live on a beautiful planet, why not keep it that way? I am not against advancements or building - to a degree. But, I am against people who squander the resources of the planet and choose to not give anything back. Whether you believe in the effects of climate change or not, there is no harm is taking the necessary steps to improve your surroundings.

There are many small actions that can lead to big changes. For example, many of you probably already recycle paper, plastic, and aluminum. But, did you know that you can add items like food boxes, toilet paper rolls, magazines, and envelopes to your recycling bin? Those of you that drive can reduce gas consumption by running all of your errands during a single outing or by car pooling to school or other functions. Also, by cutting down your showers only two minutes, you can save gallons of water. Not to mention using green bags when shopping, bringing your lunch in washable containers (instead of plastic baggies), washing your car over the lawn (so run-off water gets used again), or planting a small tree in your yard.

I have taken a great initiative to improve my attitude toward saving the environment, especially over the last 3-4 years. As you already know, I try to use as little paper as possible in my classroom. At home I recycle all that I can, have a small herb and veggie garden, use cloth (washable) napkins instead of paper, and never go to any store without my green bags. I drive a fuel efficient car, unplug electronics that are not in use, and wash my laundry in large loads to save water and energy. I know I could do a lot more, and I am trying, but, at least I have taken the initiative.

What do you do to help the Earth? Do you have any suggestions for ways that we all can make a big difference with a small change in our lifestyles?

The Days of Our Lives

Over the course of last week and early this week, my household was forced to deal with the economic down turn in a very personal way. My husband heard news at his workplace that lay-offs were in the future, especially for his department. My evenings were spent discussing possible outcomes and different paths we could take to remain above water, especially during the summer when me, as a teacher, does not receive a paycheck. I also did a lot of worrying about the "what-ifs," which led to some sleepless nights.

We found out this week that my husband will retain his job and just move to a different department. Only three people were asked to remain, he being one of them. There are most likely many reasons why he was allowed to keep his job, but one of those reasons is that he is a hard worker. Another is that he is intelligent (college degree, keeps up to date with news, cultured, etc.). Plus, he is also a kind man and a team player. And no, I am not stating these reasons because I am biased - they are true.

I am not overtly fond of sharing my personal life with my students. With the exception of a handful of stories, - which really is a drop in the bucket of my life - I prefer to keep my personal life, well, personal. But, I chose to tell this story because it exemplifies why I am passionate about the education that I try to provide to my students. The world out there can be tough. But, with hard work, intelligence, and kindness, anyone can get ahead and remain ahead for the rest of their lives. I am not saying that the next time lay-offs come down the pipe at his company that my husband will remain immune, but I saying that we all have to work hard for what we get and his retention of his job is a reflection of that hard work.

So, for this week's response, I would like to hear about events in your lives that have helped build your character. They could be positive or negative, but they must be poignant...