Christine Ho Younghusband

Dianne Whalen

“I never think about why I can’t go.” – Dianne Whalen, 500 Days in the Wild

Oh dang… I missed my opportunity for a shameless selfie with Dianne Whalen. Although, I did get the opportunity to speak with her at the end of the PowHERhouse event, complimented with two hugs. What can I say? Dianne is an inspiration. She is wholehearted, positively optimistic, and genuine. I was so enamoured by her story at the 2014 Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts. I was equally entranced by Dianne at the PowHERhouse Women’s Mixer & Fundraiser on March 13, 2015. Her mission is to spend “500 Days in the Wild“… that is, walking, biking, and/or canoeing across Canada… and documenting her journey. I love her deep belief in herself, her matter of fact points of view, and her fearlessness to embark on this mission to realize her vision. “Fake it until you make it.” I love that attitude.

I would also like to thank Charlene Sanjenko from PowHERhouse for initiating and orchestrating this Women’s Mixer & Fundraiser event. It was a full house… Wall-to-wall women… Standing room only. Nothing I like more than the ongoing chatter of women. There is teaching, learning, and leading when that happens.  Thank you to all of the women who attended the event and to the women entrepreneurs and local businesses for donating prizes to the silent auction. I won a few prizes. Yay me. It was so awesome to connect with so many women at the Gibsons Public Market. Furthermore, it was an excellent opportunity to hang out at the Community Resource Centre‘s table to share the Executive Summary of The Progress Plan and promote the Self-Employed Women’s Network with Cheryl McNicol and Liz Banks.

Women connecting with other women on the Sunshine Coast and listening to Dianne Whalen for inspiration, it equates to an evening of awesomeness. “Think about what yo can do, not what you can’t.” Makes sense to me. #thankyouDianne

Counterintuitive Action

When life sends you messages, they are likely to come in three. Hello? Messages received. It dawned on me yesterday that sometimes ‘counterintuitive action’ is required. What do I mean by that? Well, here’s the first message. When my energy level is low and I’m feeling tired, don’t take a nap or go to bed. To re-energize, I should go for a walk, do yoga, or go curling. Read my last blog entry, “Late night walks.”

The second message is, when I find myself to be super busy, slow down and take a break. Don’t push through it. To speed up, I’ve got to slow down or else I will burnout.

The third message struck my like a brick. Someone asked me how I was doing yesterday. I responded by saying, “I’ve got to get stuff off my plate so that I can get to what I really want to do.” Another person later that day asked me if I can say NO. I said, “yes, I say no many times… to me.” This was a wake up call. In the business of helping and serving others, I need to help and serve myself. Sounds selfish, but you can’t give others what you don’t have. I have to make myself a priority.

I may have heard these messages before or have been told many times in one form or another. Some may have called them “distractions” while others may have said “non-negotiables.” What I would say is, “you cannot tell a drunk he/she is a drunk.” Rough language, I know… but it’s a metaphor. In essence, you cannot tell a person that he/she has a problem and expect enlightenment. It is up to the person to realize the problem and enact change… if he/she wants to change. That is my point.

Sometimes action is counterintuitive… and that’s OK. My first step today was both vinyasa yoga and walking on the beach. All three messages satisfied: getting physically active, slowing down the pace, and focussing on me. #feelinggood

Late Night Walks

It’s almost 1 am and I’m just back from a late night walk. I could go to bed or blog… Meh. Why not blog? And yes, let’s blog about “late night walking.” Seems appropriate. As I have a tonne things to do, I need to remind myself what brings me joy… and just do it. Blogging brings me joy. Switching from Blogger to WordPress changed my blogging momentum. Reminder to self: when I feel inspired, blog. Tonight, I’m inspired. What struck me tonight was “my why” for walking. Yes, walking looks like walking regardless of reason, but the why matters to me.

I must admit, I am not motivated to walk to “lose weight.” In fact, if I wanted to walk to burn calories you would likely find me in front of the TV with a bag of chips. A very sad sight. Another reason to walk is to “walk the dog.” Seems like the right thing to do, but I dislike walking the dog for reasons of walking the dog. It’s totally unreasonable, right? If I had to walk the dog, you’d likely find me heading to bed with hopes that my husband would walk the dog. It’s a rock solid plan. Kind of a crappy deal, but the dog manages to guilt my husband into walking.

Tonight, I went walking to refuel myself. It was a big day today and I needed a way to destress, refocus, and rejuvenate. Why not a late night walk? Let me tell you… I feel great!!! During a late night walk, it’s dark and no one is around. It’s just me. You would likely find me walking (or dancing) in the middle of the street listening to my tunes. Such a beautiful night tonight. The air was fresh, the fog is rolling in, and look… a tree with blossoms. I am able to connect with nature, quiet my mind, and find peace. Best of all, I am exercising and walking the dog. #winwinwin

#igniteyourstory

What an incredible experience. 20 slides. 5 minutes. Present to a crowd of strangers what IGNITEs you. I had the pleasure of presenting MY STORY at #igniteyourstory on February 11th at the Coquitlam Cactus Club. Thank you to the ad hoc like or shall I say random Twitter DM invitation from my friend and teacher colleague @rosepillay1 from #CISVA. It’s these opportunities that make teaching and learning fun.

Try to challenge any teacher with 20 slides and 5 minutes to say something that could be transformational and meaningful. That night, I presented side-by-side many of my #PLN buddies (and some heroes) in addition to some new faces to the scene… talking about WHAT WE ARE LEARNING. We had the option of speaking about work or not. I chose to present about my recent candidacy in the 2014 municipal elections.

My presentation was about RUNNING FOR MAYOR. It was an excellent opportunity to examine the experience and what did I learn. My message was… “why not?” I had good intentions. I am inspired by good governance. And, I wanted to make a difference in my community. To step forward required courage, a clear vision, and values I could stand in. Certainly the experience was a challenge particularly when I am (relatively) young, female, visible minority, and a new candidate. Furthermore, my campaign budget equated to no more than 10% of my mayoralty candidate counterparts who were the mayor and former mayor. I was not set up to win.

What I learned is the following: if I was planning to run again in the next 4 years, I would definitely do things a bit differently; I was a viable candidate and able to contend with two experienced politicians and hold my ground; and, I was meant to serve for another 4 years as school trustee with SD46 and continue my work with BCSTA. In the end, RUNNING FOR MAYOR re-ignited my passion in education.

Focus on Learning

I had the unique opportunity of attending the January 29, 2015 Focus on Learning forum “Rising to the Global Challenge” at the Wosk Centre in Vancouver with uber-educators, politicians in education, and representatives from the business sector. There was not much information available to the public and attendees regarding the event except for key speakers and time of arrival. The lack of information up until the event created an online vibe of uncertainty, mistrust, and skepticism.

I did not expect to attend the BCED Forum in person, but I feel fortunate to be one of three representatives from the BCSTA (BC School Trustees’ Association) with the BCSTA President Teresa Rezansoff and BCSTA CEO Mike Roberts. That being said, it was good to see other school trustees present at the event in addition to teachers and students. BTW: the students were exceptional at the forum.

Overall, the event was well orchestrated. First of all, invited attendees were given assigned seating. I sat between representatives who were from IBM and SeaSpan. What was so interesting, these two people were as excited and curious about the event and invested in education as I was. This was reassuring. Each of us had no idea how the day would unfold and what we would walk away with.

The event entailed 5 keynote speakers: Andreas Schleicher, Yong Zhou, Stuart Shanker, David Albury, and Marc Kielburger. Each presenter had approximately 20 minutes to speak to express their point of view on teaching and learning, which was then complimented with questions or comments from the forum facilitated by Tony Mackay. All those in the Wosk Centre had an equal voice and opportunity to speak and be heard. Speakers ranged from teachers, students, superintendents, and business people. The conversation was rich, diverse, and insightful.

What I love about education is, everyone has an opinion about education. Some points of view are based on research, others on experiences, and some a combination of both. This event was thought provoking and engaging. There was definitely passion in the room and it was apparent that we all wanted the same thing for our students. The big question is, how do we get there? The forum was a engaging and an excellent opportunity to hear the voices of others.

We also had the opportunity to speak to our neighbours. I must admit, the IBM and SeaSpan representatives sitting beside me shifted my point of view. What I learned is, people in industry want we want. We want to educate our students so that they can thrive in the 21st century. I was moved when the person from SeaSpan person said that he didn’t want to see specific job training in schools because this would narrow their learning experience and understanding.

The big idea of the conversation was, these students will change their job every 7 years. Maybe he/she might start in the industry as a welder, but maybe they would want to shift into business management or engineering. I love that!!! Why not learn Calculus, Welding, Fine Arts, and French? One is not exclusive from the other. Why not promote learning as an opportunity to innovate, create, and think critically? The courses or programs only provide the context.

Ultimately, I would love to find ways to have students love learning. Learning must be meaningful, purposeful, and challenging. With this love, anything is possible. This message was made clear by the student participants, particularly students having a voice in their learning, structuring their learning, and personally investing in their learning. I really appreciated the student voice and candidness. It’s really about them that gives us our purpose in education. They inspired me.

What I learned from from the IBM representative is that we have to be open to change and cease opportunities. He was a former educator as well. After a full career in education, he transferred his skills to industry. In fact, he is an exemplar of what we want from our students… to be lifelong learners… to be adaptable and malleable… to accept new challenges with an open mind and open heart.

At lunch, I had the privilege to speak with teachers from the BCTF, parents from BCCPAC, Metis representative, and an Assistant Superintendent about what we were learning at the event and what we want to see in education. What an exceptional opportunity to dialogue with other stakeholders an informal way about education, what we dream for our students, and how can we get there.

The BCED Focus on Learning Forum was an innovate way to relaunch the good intentions of the BCED Plan that was dialogical, cooperative, and participatory. If you would like to see the Forum, go to http://new.livestream.com/bced/bcedforum

Website Development

I am not even sure how this is possible… but I think that I have fallen in love with my new website. Oh my gosh… I never thought it would be possible to make this website and fall in love with it. I struggled with the idea of merging the multiple facets of my life in the field of education into one website. Yes, I can see how it would be possible because all of these areas connect with me but I could not imagine how it would be done. I wear multiple hats in BC Education… mom, teacher, school trustee, student, curriculum developer, and advocate. How would I bring 3 websites, a blog, and all other social media together onto one site? Thank you Leah Goard for challenging me to do so… thank you Carolyn Clarke for the awesome photos (of self)… and thank you Tzaddi Gordon for your technical support and design. The website is not perfect. It is a work in progress. I have already changed a few things since it’s launch yesterday. Never doubt the impossible. It is possible. www.christineyounghusband.com 

TEDxLangleyED

I love the idea that the emergence of TEDxLangleyED came from the grass roots of the SD35 organization. It started with a question from curious educator to the superintendent of schools. “Do you think we can we host a TEDx here in Langley?” The answer… “YES.” The ball gets rolling, a committee is struck, and voila!!!

To attend a TEDx, candidates must answer a few questions and apply online. Many people applied to be a part of this inaugural event and I feel so fortunate to be one of 100 people selected to attend. At this event, there was an amazing line-up of speakers and performers to provoke, inspire, and motivate this captive audience. Aside from the presentations, what I love most about this learning opportunity is re/connecting with members of my PLN… face-to-face.

It is a phenomenal experience to meet someone for the first time, but feel like you have known him or her for years. The conversation does not start with “What’s your name?” or “Where do you come from?” It starts off with sharing your pedagogical beliefs, dialoguing about your educational philosophy, and discussing elements of your professional practice. That day, I met and chatted with @rondorland, @technolandy, and @teachinginthe21 to name a few. It was super fun!!!

However, in this blog I want to highlight a few of myTEDxLangleyED favourites. I loved listening to @karlLS and his passion for education and his students. He teaches in the United States and proclaims that the school system is broken. He follows up this statement with a question. “What are YOU going to do about it? This Monday!!! Good question. I love his ideas and I agree that teaching and learning goes beyond the standardized test. Karl is an engaging speaker and I am aligned to his message, practice, and purpose as a teacher.

My next fave speaker was Monique Gray Smith. She spoke about “the cookie people.” What I loved about her TEDx talk was her inquiry… “Who are your teachers?” These teachers are not necessarily your teachers in the classroom, but also teachers in your life who may have influenced your life to take a particular direction. This provoked me to think… who are my teachers? I have many ‘cookie people’ and I am grateful.

My last mention will be Hannah Park. First, I like that she was a Langley School District graduate, but also I appreciated the humour, honesty, and creativity. She spoke about her inquiry of reducing light pollution as it relates to the stages of creativity.  With this presentation, I thought about my dissertation and the many struggles I have faced. She reassures me to press on and move forward because “shit” will eventually transform itself to “awesome.” Love that idea and I am hopeful.

In this blog, I would love to mention something about every speaker and performer at TEDxLangleyED, but I think it would require pages and pages of blog. I hope you get a sense of how awesome it was.  I have much gratitude for the TEDxLangleyED committee, volunteers, presenters, and attendees. #thankyousomuch

Unsolicited

As I move forward trying to figure out my path, I was pleasantly surprised the other day. My daughter and I were out and about shopping local. One thing about small towns is that you are definitely going to bump into someone you know… or someone who knows you. That day, I looking for deals at a local sports store and then a woman approached me. She held my arm and pulled me aside to tell me that she was so proud of me for “running for mayor.” She was proud of my performance and said I did an excellent job during my campaign. That was unexpected and unsolicited.  The municipal election happened a few months ago yet people in my community still feel compelled to share their kind thoughts and support. Thank you. That was reassuring. Soon after, my daughter and I moseyed down to the local thrift store. My daughter loves thrift store shopping. Anyway, another women approaches me, holds onto my arm, and pulls me aside. She starts to tell me that her daughter will graduating from university soon and she is majoring in mathematics. Apparently, her daughter mentions ME, her high school mathematics teacher, for inspiring her to study mathematics. What??? I probably taught her over 5-6 years ago. Now that was totally unexpected and unsolicited. As a teacher, I had no idea the kind of lasting power or influence I had on my students. That was impressive… and validating. I was doing my job. Whew… the power of gratitude. Thank you both for taking the time and effort to share your gratitude with me. It made my day!!!

One Word Challenge

This is one of the wonderful things that I love about Twitter. Depending on who you follow and what you like to read… you can get inspired. A few weeks ago, I found the 2015 One Word Challenge from #think35. Although I am not a staff member of School District No.35 (Langley), I will unofficially participate in the challenge. I love the idea that people within SD35 are willing to create a virtual community for colleagues to share their one word for 2015, “make a change,” and communicate their 365 day journey via blog. What can I say… #superawesomeexcellent. So what’s my one word? My word is COMPLETION. Ironically, I am writing this blog to complete it. It’s been on hold for the last few weeks and I wanted to write another blog today about COMPLETION. On reflection, I figured that I might as well finish this one before the next one… ah yes, completion!!! It feels so good. This must be a part of an educator’s profile… “do more with less.” With this mantra, it’s easy to have a tonne of things on the go and nothing done. Well… I am so proud to report to that I have “completed” a few things as we approach the end of January. It feels great!!! Done. Finished. Complete. Tasks to do ranged from work to writing to housecleaning. Ultimately, it’s about getting it done. I get caught into the trap of “perfection”… which is oppositional to “completion.” I must exercise some of life’s lessons… LET IT GO… DO YOUR BEST… BE VULNERABLE. Yup. I’ve been wanting to blog for quite some time but felt held up by my website development. As one friend had kindly told me once… ONE STEP AT AT TIME. A little bit at a time and soon… all will be done. This requires patience, courage, and determination. I am getting there. Man-o-man… so many lessons in just one word. Thank you #think35.

Resistance

I cannot believe how much I am enjoying reading about methodology and statistics. I resisted for a very long time doing a quantitative study… and now I am reading about midpoint and the Likert Scale. What the? And, enjoying it. For years I wanted to do a qualitative study… compromised with a mixed methods approach… and now I am convinced a descriptive study is the way to go. Resistance is a funny thing… it holds ourselves back from something potentially great and wonderful. For quite some time my mantra was… everyone in my cohort is doing qualitative research, so should I. Hello? Failed logic. I’m a math teacher. I like math. I resisted. I am so enamoured by narratives and the lived experience such that I could not believe a quantitative study was the way to go. Amazingly, descriptive research uses data to create the narrative. Crazy or what? Something I wanted all along. Life’s Lesson: Resist resistance. Go with your strengths… speak your truth… and have fun. #joyrising