The Summer Institute started with checking in and press photos. We each took a picture with Lance Rougeux. We had some down time and my suite mate Kellsye and her team teacher Mike explored Vanderbilt. After dinner provided by Jim and Nick's, we were treated to 2 very powerful opening key note speakers. Lance Rougeux, opened the 2014 Summer Institute with a very powerful message. He explained what the DEN community meant to him and how building a community of support as an educator is essential. He shared this message which really resonated with me. While listening to Lance I realized that my biggest challenge this week and going forward into this school year was going to be getting out of my comfort zone and putting myself out there. Easy to say- harder to implement.
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First let me say that the drive to Nashville from Rock Hill, SC was gorgeous. I drove right through/up/down many mountains. There were so many times where I wanted to take an exit just to explore (this might have had a little to do with nerves too). As a side note, Dept of Transportation, if you are going to put an interstate through some of the most scenic views and look outs this country has to offer, be kind and make pull offs so the American public can take pictures. I made it here with time to spare and I even responded to an SOS call to pick 3 fellow DEN stars up from the airport. Nashville's airport, by the way, is fantastic and the let people who are picking up passengers wait, that's right I said WAIT up to 15 minutes as long as you have your trunk open. Charlotte Douglas International please take note!
We arrived to Vanderbilt with minimum u-turns and consultations to various directional technology. I was immediately greeted by a suite mate who showed me to my room. As expected there were many instances of squeals and hugs, but I must have given off a strong signal that I was neither a hugger or a squealer. Through all of that, as I was surrounded by like-minded educators who shared such an immense passion that there were willing to take 5 + days away from their summer and their families to share, connect, and learn, my nerves and anxiety (which I have battled for multiple weeks now) started to calm. Up at 5 a.m. ……..picked up my best pal and co-teacher……on the road by 6……Atlanta by 10. Trip to Georgia Aquarium (A must for anyone it Atlanta)………Walked into the Georgia Congress Center by 2.
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