Do you ever feel like sometimes others don't "get you?"
Don't understand your passion for learning? Look at you funny when you talk about a book you read over the weekend? Question the pull you feel toward always trying to improve your craft of teaching?
I sometimes feel this way, and when I do, it can feel very lonely.
But I am lucky that I have people in my life who DO understand me. People who push me, ask questions, offer words of encouragement, celebration or support -- people who know.
That is one of the reasons why I love connecting with others through conferences like All Write, which I attended this past week. Imagine spending two days with people who feel the way you do. Who love learning, reading, writing and connecting with others as a way of life. Others who understand.
On Wednesday night before All Write began, I was lucky enough to go to dinner with some friends, Ruth Ayres being one of them. The conversation around the table focused on the connections that had been made with each other through Slice of Life Tuesdays and Celebrate this Week. Through these weekly check ins, we heard each other's stories, learned things about each other, and became friends.
Ruth turned and asked me why I attended All Write. Being the 'new kid,' I mumbled something about the opportunity to learn new things.
But it really is about more than that.
Meeting up with my online friends face-to-face, if even only once at year, is a time for being with others who get me. Others who understand. It is affirming and confirming how I feel.
It feels good.
So while there are AMAZING learning opportunities at All Write (and they were amazing!), it was the connections I had with others that will give me the spark and the fuel I need to boost me through another year.
I am grateful for the people I have in my life who do this for me, whether they are there every day or only once a year.
I almost wrote a similar post today (and surely will one day soon). It is so reaffirming to spend time with people who get us! Glad you had this time. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI almost wrote a similar post today (and surely will one day soon). It is so reaffirming to spend time with people who get us! Glad you had this time. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI REALLY want to go to All Write someday! Everyone who goes writes glowing reviews.
ReplyDeleteThe first time you go for the learning, from that point forward it is the people that bring you back again and again. We learn all year about our friends who are far, but it is the face to face and hugs that are the cherry on top of this sundae of happiness.
ReplyDeleteThat's it - we need to be with people who get us, every once in a while. Lucky that you were able to attend this conference!
ReplyDeleteThat's it - we need to be with people who get us, every once in a while. Lucky that you were able to attend this conference!
ReplyDeleteJennifer, I eagerly poured over the AllWrite15 tweets to savor the learning that you all were involved in. A community of learners who get us is a comforting thought and a wonderful experience.
ReplyDeleteWe need to create schools where teachers feel that people "get them" So happy you had this time, but also so sad to read so many people feeling just like you. We need to make change in our schools so teachers can be inspired, fulfilled and happy.
ReplyDeleteWe hope to try All Write soon -- We have heard great things!
Clare and Tammy
Jennifer, I'm so glad Linda and I made it to the Wed. night gathering. It was fun to meet in person and spend time with our own learning tribe, folks who understand us.
ReplyDeleteIf only I had a nickel for every time some didn't get my drive to get better at my job... It's always good to connect with people who understand.
ReplyDeleteMary
Fit to be Fourth
:)It is fabulous to share professional interests and information. It is the stories and laughter that renew me though! Thankful we got to connect!
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