Frequent updates - Coming Soon!

I noticed that the last time I actually added a post to this blog was almost a year ago!? I KNOW! So I am dedicating myself to the proposition that in order to get more eyes on this blog I need to keep it fresh, new and fun to read... and so I endeavor to do my best to make this blog something of which "my kids" can be proud.

I am feeling a little bit of pressure to perform well... as I am asking the students to look at it and comment on it. Maybe you know how it is with a new group of students. You always try to make a good impression - I have much to offer/teach them, I'm not an old lady, I enjoy my work and know what I'm talking about, etc. But, honestly it's not about me -- it's about the kids and connecting them to their community.

And so, we go on to our 15th year of developing young leaders in Hood River County. I see graduates of the program everywhere... and still recognize them (and remember MOST of their names)! They are business owners, orchardists, volunteers, parents (YIKES! do I feel old!), teachers... but they are back in the community in which they grew up... contributing in whatever way they can. That's what keeps me engaged... knowing that this program is making a difference in their lives!

First Day Field Trip... Here we go!

We started early this year. Our first class trip (Introduction/Motivation) started out a little chilly... and a little drizzley! I had hoped that August would have perfect weather for our trip... on the Sternwheeler Columbia Gorge! Alas, we don't always get what we want... more on that later!

We went to the Waucoma Center - Home of Embarq. While we were there we also took some time to get to know each other... it's a new class, after all! On the bus trip to Embarq, everyone sat with someone they didn't know very well with the goal of becoming familiar enough with "our Partner' to introduce them to the entire group! Since it was then end of summer, we found out what everybody had done over the break. It was interesting to hear about all the fun activities that summer affords us in this beautiful part of the country. Fortunately, this class activity day was just an extension of summer with a little educational component thrown in... kinda like a warm-up for school! Then, we played Cultural Bingo and learned even more... who likes to cook Italian food, write poetry, dance, etc. Kids are so resourceful... they worked together to help each other fill their Bingo cards. It wasn't about winning (or losing) - it was about getting to know each other!

On to the Dean Building which, among other things, houses the Embarq Central office. It was like being inside a huge computer! Wires, cables, connectors everywhere. Two of the Central Office Technicians toured us around the battery array, the cable vault and showed us where voice mail "lives". It was pretty cool but, we had to cut it short... we had a boat to catch!

Ah, yes! The boat! Here is where we learn about the importance of clear communication. (reference "we can't always get what we want") Apparently, there had been a change in the cruise schedule between the time the arrangements were made and the actual day of our trip... suffice it to say we didn't MISS the boat, it missed us?! Have no fear - all was not lost - One of the kids works on the Sternwheeler so he took us on a tour of the boat - Levi, our hero!

We still had some small group activities to complete so we went back in to the Port building, divided into groups of 4 and proceeded to create our Leadership Crests, showcasing the qualities of a good leader. What a creative group! These are not your typical Leadership Crests... these have a certain feeling, dare I say passion, about them! And even though we didn't get to cruise, the kids were great, flexible and responsive... It's going to be a great year!

Leaders Banquet - The End or The Beginning

As with most things, the Leaders for Tomorrow program runs in cycles. Each year a group of students graduate, a group moves on to the Service Learning class, and a group gets selected for the Community Introduction class. It's always hard to see them go -- the graduates! They work so hard and we become pretty close... and sometimes we even stay in touch (although not as often as I'd like... Why don't you ever call/write/visit?!) ; )

In any case, they move on to their next fabulous adventure... and it's always nice to hear that, in some small way, the Leaders for Tomorrow program made a difference for them. Most of the time that recognition doesn't come until some time later but, when people stop me on the street and tell me that their daughter or son has made a life changing decision based on something they learned through the program, it reminds me why I do this work!

The kids are ALL so different and each one takes something different away from the experience. It's good to know that this program has provided them with some insight that they can apply wherever they go. The acknowledgment that they derive tangible benefits from the experience is my big payoff! Most of all, I love "my kids" and want more than anything for them to succeed-- whatever I can do to facilitate their success (however one chooses to define it) is what makes my life complete!

Thanks, class of 2008! You guys rock... Make good choices and stay in touch... I can't wait to see the futures you create for yourselves! I'm gonna miss you!