Gratitude

During their talks with us, Mike Hiestand, Ken Paulson, and Sarah Garrecht Gassen all took a moment to mention the importance of educators. After a year of being "beaten up" by our legislature in Michigan, and even reading or listening to comments by people who feel teachers are lazy and overpaid, I felt a little revived by our speakers' verbal gratitude.

When I received my congratulatory letter to attend this institute (ASUWCSJRHSJI), I questioned my ability to push myself for two weeks, especially since I'd be hopping on a plane just five days after a long and exasperating school year. Following a substantial pay cut and acceptance of a horrible contract (I voted no), a couple of thoughts went through my head: Why should I go when nobody appreciates me? Why should I take two weeks out of my life, away from my family, for them?

After I was done whining and being a baby, I realized I would be doing something for my students and, perhaps more importantly, for myself. And I was so right.

I can't imagine advising a newspaper without the knowledge of the presenters and my fellow advisers. The professionals have been so helpful, and my peers' success and war stories have opened my eyes to the dos and don'ts of advising. Law, ethics, copyright, opinion pieces, social media, video, leads....my mind is racing.

And it's only week one.