Classrooms for the 21st Century
THINK GLOBALLY, ACT LOCALLY
That’s French for Happy Birthday. And yes, today is my birthday and today I turn 44 years old. I often associate the new year with my birthday since it is so late in the year, but this year it’s really important to me to begin anew.
2017 was not kind to me. . . well, most of it. A month after celebrating my 16th wedding anniversary, my husband and I separated. The months that have followed the separation has been a roller coaster of ups, downs, and surprises. The downs have been more prevalent, but I am slowly making my climb back up. I’m learning to juggle stress, bills, and house cleaning by myself, which will always be a struggle for me. Amidst the breakdowns and the tears, there are some great things happening in my life. And this is where the birthday/new year comes into play. 2018 will be the year of learning. . . about myself and just what I am made of. It also marks the year of travel for me. Today, I am traveling to Boston to meet friends for a few days. I need this time away to decompress from the hardest Christmas I have ever experienced. It was my first Christmas without waking up with my daughter and presents. She is with her dad this holiday (and having a blast !), but it’s been a rough go for me. I am learning (slowly) that I don’t always have to be the strong one. I can let others see me struggling and hurting. And it’s okay. I’m beginning a new chapter in my life. In January, I will be off again, but this time to San Antonio, Texas. I’ve never been to Texas, but I hear the Riverwalk in San Antonio is a must-see and must-do. Again, I will be alone and I will be okay. I know I will only learn more about myself and what I am made of. February marks the beginning of my learning adventure. In 2017, I was awarded a Teachers for Global Classrooms Fellowship and took an intensive on-line class in the fall that has lead me to my international placement for the spring. February is when I travel to Washington, D.C., to meet the other fellows and learn more about my international placement: SENEGAL ! And today, on my birthday, is where my story begins. . . . Chapter 2.
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Christy ShinnickFrench Teacher Archives
August 2018
CategoriesTravel - Here you will find my travel blog as well as my reflections on language learning.
Study - Here you will find resources and assessment tools for assessing global competency. Teach - Here you will find sample lessons that you can adapt to your own classroom or the World Language Classroom. About Me - Learn a little about who I am and where I come from. More - Here you will find opportunities for Global Learning and Travel for both students and teachers |