Early on I learned that I should watch my progress by looking at the accomplishment of small steps toward a larger goal. That works for intangible goals as well as marathon vacation trips via automobile. Yes! I've made it to Stockton. Now only another hour to Turlock. And so on. Ah, so... In this journey, which is no longer just to Indonesia, but to the person I am becoming by preparing for this journey, I am celebrating the mile markers reached.
Rewind... To earn the opportunity to study and travel with IREXs TGC program, I completed an extensive competitive application by June of 2011. By last fall, I think it was September, I learned that I had been selected as one of 65 teachers in the United States to participate. Mile marker #1 - Check! Next?
I was not yet assured of a spot on the roster of travelers. First, I had to successfully complete an eight-week online course. Okay, I thought, let's get this party started. --- In retrospect, it's a good thing I began the course with that kind of determination, because as the days and assignments wore on, I began to falter. Teaching is a profession that requires 100% of one's body, mind, and soul. After "giving at the office," coming home to hours of homework for my online class was consuming any energy reserves I may have had left. As I struggled to learn to use the online course platform, find the time to complete the readings, and to meet deadlines for assignments, I developed great empathy for my students' similar struggles. Finally, December arrived and the course was completed. Just as my students wait impatiently for their test scores, I held my breath to see if I had qualified to travel to a host country. Yes! Mile marker #2 - Check! Next?
Next turned out to be the draft of my capstone project. This project will contain several elements including the global education unit I am developing, the blog you are reading at this very moment, and a variety of resource inventories. Deadline: February 11th. Stress.. Screen time. Checking in with colleagues at our social networking site. Research. Stress. Almost midnight on due date. Click. Whew! Mile marker #3. Next?
I'm glad that you have accomplished all of these mile markers so far! The trip to Indonesia wouldn't be the same without you onboard with the team. It was great to meet you in Washington and I look forward to the continued preparations that will eventually reunite us in Jakarta.
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