Say Yes

I didn't really want to do X, Y and Z this weekend. I wanted to be lazy in my room. But I did X, Y and Z because this institute is filled with interesting and informative participants and saying yes to spending time with you all can only end positively.

After an afternoon at the art museum with Bonnie, I filled a page with ideas she gave me. For example, she suggested surveying the student body at the beginning of the year about what they want from their school paper. The survey will not only provide information for the staff, but it will also be advertising for the paper. She gave me enough info for much more but my brain is a bit crowded these days.

After our group basically took over Matt's Big Breakfast, I walked back to the hotel with Dave. His teaching line is similar to mine. Plus, he's the one I will do the six-word contribution summary on and I want to do a good job.

At dinner, we had a lively discussion about social media and cell phone use in class (and at the institute). We want to try (we think it was Bailey's idea) letting students have their phones ON THEIR DESKS. Teach students how to be efficient users of technology rather than sneaky users.

It is so invigorating to talk to other professionals about what we do. As the lone newspaper teacher at my school, I have few with whom I can productively talk about my issues. Even as an English teacher, our schedule allows very little time for collaboration. Our teacher lunch room is usually empty, when it should be filled with teachers sharing, both professionally and as people.

Saying yes to experiences and interactions can be hard but it is worth it.

Here's a link to a book about one man's experience saying yes. http://www.amazon.com/Yes-Man-Danny-Wallace

Cindy Reves
McKinley High School
Honolulu, Hawaii