Tag Archives: appreciation

Commencement Night Reflections

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My family after commencement ceremony

Despite my paperwork and degree being completed in the fall of this past year, there was only one commencement ceremony for the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Minnesota this spring. So, when I decided to walk in commencement last week, my thoughts were, as I already had my degrees framed and placed on the wall weeks ago – that I would do it only so my three young boys could see the end result of my late hours and hard work all the while raising them to be the young men that they are. It has all been so abstract for them.

I started my Masters program when I was pregnant with my first son; he is now 12 years old. I received my Masters in education around the time that I had my third son, and went on to pursue my doctorate. The culmination of all of this work happened in a real way last week, as I sat there with my colleagues, professors and friends waiting for my Ed.S. to be conferred. I imagined the night as something that would be exciting for the boys to see, as well as important for them to realize. A woman, not just any woman, but their mother, going through all of the pomp and circumstance in full regalia! I was so very right in thinking that it would be a good thing for them to be a part of – they are still congratulating me as I tuck them in for bed at night, and wearing my mortar board around the house during the day, all the while talking about what they want to do when they grow up. Continue reading →

Guest Blogger for Abundant Community: Becoming a Community Connector

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Picture taken from Abundant Community Website

I was approached Leslie Stephen, the editor of John McKnight and Peter Block’s Abundant Community book and website to be a guest blogger, shortly after my post about their book and wonderful work in communities. I was thrilled that after only a few posts, that I would be approached by them in such a way.

After speaking on the phone first to John and then to Leslie, we came to the idea of me writing for them as a guest blogger about my experiences, so that others could learn from the work that I am doing.

I am honored to be featured on their website today. My hope is that through continuing my work as a community connector as they describe, and continuing to host future meetings in my own community, that I may advance the work of including kids with disabilities in neighborhood schools. They have asked me to write a guest blog post about my experiences, learning and conversations for them each time I host a meeting. This is the first post about my first meeting, that I held last month.

Please take a moment to read and make comments about my experiences, either here, or on their site. It is thrilling to be connecting people in these ways, and an unbelievable feeling for me, personally, to have my work showcased in such a fashion. I am feeling humbled as well as hopeful about this great work, and what it will mean for parents, families and schools.

The Butterfly Effect

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My last post described where I started with all of my work, and gave a better understanding for the reason I am working in this field. This post, I need to bring you not back in history to where it all began for me, but where I am lucky enough to be today. Continue reading →