Christine Ho Younghusband

Grounding Oneself

I am not sure how all of YOU take the time to ground yourself… but I am one of those people who cannot multitask. With so many things on the go, house cleaning takes a low priority. Sadly, the house begins to take on a life of its own. When I have to take time out out of my day to clean out of necessity, I am ‘not so nice’ person. Today was different… I “chose” to clean my house. Yes, true empowerment.

The school year has just ended, I was out of town for a week in Saskatoon at a conference, and returned home soon after to go camping with my family. Due to unexpected circumstances, we returned home a day early from camping. My daughter had to catch the first ferry the next morning to play in a beach volleyball tournament in Vancouver. Upon returning, a ‘camp explosion’ vomits onto my living room floor. I haven’t even unpacked yet from my Saskatoon trip and I am overwhelmed with sleeping bags, floatation devices, and camping gear.

I spent much of yesterday just putting that camping stuff away… and in the meantime, I started house cleaning. Joy? Not really. However, I liked getting the first floor of my home sorted and organized. Strangely, it was such a good feeling. As of midnight, I completed the first floor but not the second. So frustrating. I have a huge need for closure. As it turned out, my husband graciously took my daughter to volleyball. I was ‘off the hook’ and had the day to CLEAN… aka. ground myself.

So cathartic… vacuuming, folding laundry, and scrubbing down toilets. Who would have thought that house cleaning would be a grounding experience? Not me. I was being productive, with little on my mind, and appreciating the fruits of my labour. Oh man… so rewarding. With the house relatively tidy… with exception to the garage, my daughter’s room, and my husband’s media room… things are in order. COMPLETION. That’s my theme word for 2015. This is just another version of that.

Wowza. I feel closure and now I can address all of the other things I need to do. Being away for a couple of weeks, much of my work and academic studies have been accumulating. I’ve been getting anxious. It’s tough to relax when I want to get things done. With the house clean… aka. a barrier removed… things are getting done. I underestimate the benefits of house cleaning as a mechanism to moving forward. Laundry equates to inner peace. I feel grounded. #awesomeness

Chatelech 2015

Here is the speech I delivered to the Chatelech Secondary Graduating Class of 2015 on behalf of the School District No.46 (Sunshine Coast) Board of Education… #honoured.

Mayor Bruce Milne, Superintendent Bocking, Invited Guests, SD46 Staff and Students, Parents and FAMILY… and the Graduating Class of 2015…

Good evening…

My name is Christine Younghusband, School Trustee from the District of Sechelt.

I am proud to be here tonight to say a few words to Chatelech Secondary’s Graduating Class of 2015 on behalf of the SD46 Board of Education.

First of all I would like to say…. What a good-looking group graduates!!!

Congratulations to all of you on reaching THIS milestone in your life!!!

Wow… 13 years have come and gone. Who would have thought that we would be here today? So soon… and we’re celebrating your academic achievements.

It was not that long ago when you took your first steps… spoke your first word… or read your first book. Now… some of you can conjugate “avoir” in passé compose, play a musical instrument, factor trinomials, balance equations, write poetry, fix a vehicle, compete in high performance sport, bake a soufflé, or paint a portrait.

YOU are a diverse group of learners with a diverse group of interests, passion, and skill set. For this, we are proud of you. From K to 12, you have endured some good times and not so good times. Remember… every experience is a learning experience.

Educator and philosopher John Dewey suggested, “Education is a social process. Education is growth. Education is, not a preparation for life, education is life itself.”

I would agree with him… Treat every moment as a learning opportunity. There are NO mistakes. Do not dwell, regret, or second-guess. Live in the present & celebrate!

On behalf of the SD46 Board of Education, CONGRATULATIONS Class of 2015 and best wishes to all of you on your future endeavours… BE BOLD and BE BRAVE.

Thank you.

Opposite

Fear is a killer. If you cannot get passed your fear of anything… you’re screwed. You cannot realize your dreams. You cannot realize your potential. You cannot be the person you’re suppose to be. I call BS on the “I can’t do it” mantra. It’s crap. You can do it if you want to do it. Anything is possible. Well… within reason. For me, I will never be 6’2″ tall. I don’t like basketball. Thus, aspiring to be on the National Women’s Basketball team is unlikely. I’m OK with that. What I am talking about is JUMPING… take that cliche “leap of faith” and just do it. Although you cannot control the outcome, the worst that could happen is nothing. So if you do something, or not… at worst, it’s the same. So really? You have nothing to lose. BRILLIANT. The best part is, the outcome turns out to be exactly OPPOSITE of what I thought it would be. That’s messed up. Have no expectations… jump.

Readiness

I could never see it for myself until a couple of days ago. I’m still in a mild state of shock. I know that I have announced to “the world,” shall we say, that I am a doctoral candidate… but for the longest time, I never believed it. For example, it took me a whole year after the fact to share with others that I had completed my doctoral coursework and successfully passed my comprehensive exam. Furthermore, I struggled with the whole idea of my dissertation. I wanted to change the world… with one paper. I had so much “passion” (aka. edu-frustration) for my research problem that I could not get past the problem. This, in itself, is a problem. I had to step away from everything to regain perspective. In doing so, I had to change my purpose… my raison d’etre for pursuing a doctorate degree. I thought this cognitive shift would take a mere 5 months to accomplish. Nope. It has taken 5 years. Now, I understand that my dissertation is not my life’s work, but only the beginning of it. I wasn’t ready.

For years, I was not ready to pursue my research in a serious way, but I was not ready to walk away from my research either. I am passionate about mathematics education, professional learning, and educational leadership. Finally, I can grasp the idea that my dissertation is only a door that I have to open. There will be many more doors ahead. Everything that happened was meant to happen. My job right now is to answer my ONE research question… and not the 1000 other questions that are seemingly related. Right now, it’s about honing in my research skills and academia to learn what I am suppose to learn to get to my life’s work. This is the exciting part. I know that I am not motivated by the extrinsic goods. Albeit, good. It’s just not good enough. It’s the goods internal (MacIntyre, 1984) that I strive for. What’s my why? It was only 2 days ago, that I was able to see it, feel it, and believe it. Visualization is a powerful tool. My passion is provoked. I will no longer accept pretending, hiding, or being a passenger on this pedagogical journey. I am determined to complete. I am ready.

Discomfort

Cards Against Humanity. It’s an interesting game to say the least. The game challenges players to think out of the box, in a sort of horrid way sometimes. Some responses are so outrageous, it makes you laugh. Hence, this is the entertainment factor of the game. Strangely, I see the game as a metaphor. The black card says, “The next step I’m going to take is _________.” In my hand, I have 7 white cards. Some of cards are reasonable, while others are totally outrageous for two reasons. First, I’ve already been there, done that. Second, how could that even be possible? Why bother? Now, I am the point where I have to play one of these cards. It’s decision making time.

I feel that it is time for change, yet I hesitate. Which card shall I play? Much like Cards Against Humanity, there is no right or wrong answer. However, the card chosen is subject to judgement. In essence, there are 3 domains to choose from within these 7 cards: The status quo, return back, or DREAM BIG. For those who know me, I prefer the latter. DREAM BIG. Do the impossible. Challenge the status quo. However, in doing that, I will have to incur a bit of discomfort along the way. People may laugh. People may question. People may judge. In the end, I have to be OK with that.

With my current work, I am so grateful to do what I do. As eclectic as these activities are, I love every minute of them and proud to be a contributor in each group. Just last week, I worked with the BCAMT at Think Tank, connected with the BCSTA Education Committee, participated at “One Word, One Burger” hosted by CISVA, and co-moderated #BCEdChat on Twitter to discuss “Competencies and the 21st Century Learner.” I feel very fortunate to do what I do. However, what compliments this feeling of joy is the feeling of comfort. Why change? Things are great!!! Right?

There are two mindsets to address the situation: (1) maintain the status quo and maybe reinvent yourself; (2) acknowledge that the work may be done and situate yourself in a place of discomfort. The status quo is wonderful, but I’m not growing. I have been avoiding “the edge” shall we say, for many years thinking that all of the other stuff that I’ve hoped and dreamed for would be difficult to attain. I am living the dream. What’s next? I must look over the edge again and challenge myself to what I am meant to do and be. This is part of my new vision. To do so, I must subject myself to be in a place of discomfort. Live on the edge… as some would say.

No one likes to walk away from a place of comfort. Change is unpredictable. Discomfort is (obviously) uncomfortable. I held off a day to post this blog entry. Yet, over the last 24-hours, Caitlyn Jenner is on the cover of Vanity Fair, Truth & Reconciliation recommendations were announced, and I just found out that a former student of mine is no longer with us. What the hell? If it is not now, then when?

“If we are growing, we are always going to be outside our comfort zone.” – John Maxwell

Here, here!!!

Serendipitous 

Serendipity is the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way. Yesterday was one of those days. From thinking too much to moving forward, I find myself in a state of listening, questioning, and reflecting. I am in deep introspection and wonder what my next steps will be in my pedagogical journey.

As mentioned in a previous blog entry, I was rudely awakened by the notion that I have already achieved my vision that I have been striving for over the last handful of years. When I had my vision, I truly didn’t expect to achieve it. Yet it happened exactly how I imagined it. Wow. On the one hand, I am pleasantly surprised. On the other hand, I am now burdened with the task of re-imagining what’s the next level.

I am reminded by Steve Jobs’ Stanford commencement speech in 2005. He speaks about not being able to connect the dots looking forward, you can only connect the dots looking backwards. What is serendipitous is that you can actually see the dots connecting in real time. It spooked me out. I talked to the right people at the right time. Truly, a fluke. We talked about the right things at the right time. Totally random. For the purpose of the blog, it does not matter about the exactness of what was said or with whom. What does matter is… I was listening. I was questioning. And, I was reflecting. Clarity was achieved. The dots connected perfectly, as they should.

Moving Forward

“The truth is, unless you let go, unless you forgive yourself, unless you forgive the situation, unless you realize that the situation is over, you cannot move forward.” – Steve Maraboli

It is seems so easy to keep things the way they are, to expend effort to keep things the same, and to maintain status quo at all costs. However, if you are not following your passion and purpose, then your spirit erodes and eventually dies. When the spirit dies, we are only kept alive by the doing of things and not the living of things. So, why not jump?

For last couple of weeks, I’ve been burdened by the heaviness of the status quo. I’ve been here before. It took many years spirit killing and a severe illness to jump back then. I was desperate to keep the status quo. It’s tough to move forward when you’re stuck. As a result, it took several years to regain my self-worth, my passion for education, and my drive to excel. This time I want to get ahead of the game and be proactive.

For the last 5 years, my pedagogical journey has been absolutely incredible. I am self-employed as an independent educational consultant. I am a school trustee, curriculum developer, doctoral student, and research assistant. This is just to name a few things that I have accomplished since leaving the practice. Do I ever miss teaching? Always. Am I learning? Always. I love what I have learned. I love the people I have met. I love the work that I do. So, what’s next? Certainly, I have a short term goal of completing my dissertation and research project. Then what? What I am certain of, I am not meant to tutor mathematics in my home for the rest of my life.

Everything that I currently do supports student learning in some way. I am passionate about making the learning experiences of others “better.” Maybe my passion and purpose are shifting? Maybe my focus is moving towards professional learning with the same intention in mind? Hmm… Lately, I’ve been asked (in many different ways)… What is your purpose? What is your passion? What is your plan? What is your goal? What do you do? What do you plan to do? What are you working towards?

What troubled me most about these questions were… I noticed (over and over again) and I had no clear and concise answer. There is no question that moving forward, taking chances, or making change can be a muddy process. In essence, I am building the plane in the air with great hopes of landing in a plane. I love everything that I do. No regrets. Yes, it may seem like I am doing 11 jobs, but love every one of them.

A rude realization, but also an indicator that it is time for the next chapter… I’ve just realized that the vision that I held onto for many years has already happened. With a couple of contacts ending, the school year ending, and hopefully my dissertation ending… this is an excellent time to reassess my purpose and passion, make new decisions, and create a new vision. Although there are many great things happening within the status quo, things can only get better by taking the next step.

Thinking Too Much

Classic. I am thinking about my thinking in today’s blog. Just the other day, I had this wonderful opportunity to take a moment for myself to sit alone and look out the window of my hotel room… in silence. There was no thinking, just being. I was oozing with gratitude and observed what was unfolding in front of me. People walking down the street, getting out of bed, or going about their daily life as if no one was watching them. It almost seemed timeless. This quiet state of being was soon interrupted by my thoughts. By thinking, I grew impatient. I started to judge. I stopped observing. In that moment, I thought it would be best to rush through my coffee, leave the hotel room, and get on with my day. On the one hand, thinking is functional. I need to think in my meetings, in my work, and in my studies. On the other hand, thinking is dysfunctional. I am not in the moment. I am focussed on the next step. I am not seizing the day. As a result, I am not “thinking” with my heart, only with my mind. My passion is minimized. My enthusiasm muted. My dreams unrealized. By operating in this mode of thinking, my decisions and actions may not best reflect what I truly want and desire. It protects me. This is unfortunate. I am a dreamer and believe anything is possible. Ironically, thinking closes my mind to possibilities. I become controlled. I cannot be the person I aspire to be. Yes, I am thinking too much. I need to balance my heart and mind. This will be tough for a Type A personality, like me. Thinking about my thinking does not make the situation any better, but reflecting on it brings it to my attention. Creativity, innovation, and exploration requires a bit of messiness and uncertainty. I am willing to accept this.

Thank You

With all that is happening “out there” in BC Education, I was to express my deepest gratitude to the delegates of the 2015 BC School Trustees’ Association (BCSTA) AGM. I am honoured to be elected as one of 7 board directors to serve member boards of BCSTA and students of British Columbia. We are faced with another difficult year in BC public education with the recent BC supreme court ruling regarding class size and composition, the implementation of Bill 11 and possibly erosion of local board autonomy as it approaches its third read in the legislature, and the continuance of building relationships with our education partner groups with hopes of providing a quality public education system within our communities. Whether if you look at the current situation in BC education as problematic or opportunistic, we are at the face of change. We must be prepared for these changes, not only as as a defender of public education but also a contributor. The best thing to keep in mind during this time of transformation is our purpose. How are we best serving the students in the BC public education? Regardless of what role you have in BC education… teacher, student, parent, administrator, community member, or school trustee… everything that we do must have student learning and our students’ best interests in mind. Each of us play an integral role in BC education and it takes ALL OF US to work together to “make things happen” for our students in our communities. Thank you once again. I look forward to working with the 2015/16 BCSTA Board of Directors.

BCSTA Director Re-Election

My name is Christine Younghusband and I am proud to announce that I am running for re-election on the 2015/16 BC School Trustees’ Association (BCSTA) Board of Directors for the position of Director. I am a mom, educator, doctoral student, and school trustee. I have 20 years experience in the field of education. I am passionate about and will continue to advocate for quality public education in BC.

Education is a right. Quality public education is a must. We are faced with another challenging year in BC Public Education. The organization has endured many challenges and changes, locally and provincially, and frustrated and disheartened given some recent events. Yet, locally elected boards of education continue to “stand up” and be the pillar of leadership and local advocacy in our communities.

Doing more with less cannot be BC Public Education’s tagline anymore. The extended labour dispute with teachers, $40/day, and the absence of trustee oversight on the BCPSEA Board put extraordinary stress on boards, communities, and families. I am thankful for reaching a bargained 5-year collective agreement with our teachers and having two trustees at the table, but the false hope of “business as usual” escapes boards with recent announcements regarding adult education, the admin savings plan, and Bill 11.

More so than ever, Boards of Education need to stand together as a collective provincial voice to advocate for BC public education. We face more political unrest and financial uncertainty. We need to speak our truth, be clear with our voice, and take leadership to advocate for our students in our communities who attend public schools and for the public good. There is no surplus in BC public education, yet there is a vision for transformation in the BCEd Plan. We need to move forward that best serves for our students, our communities, and BC public education.

If re-elected as BCSTA Director, I will to listen to you… member boards of BCSTA… and have your voice at the table to “stand up” for BC public education. I am seeking your support at the upcoming BCSTA AGM. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 604-741-3876 (cell) or trusteeyounghusband@gmail.com.

You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIN. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to seeing you soon at the AGM in April.

ELECT CHRISTINE YOUNGHUSBAND FOR BCSTA DIRECTOR