Christine Ho Younghusband

A Moment to Reflect

The Sunshine Coast – Sechelt, BC

A moment to reflect… life is full of decisions.  I often wonder what motivates each of us to venture forwards into a direction that composes our lived experiences and ourselves.  We are all on a journey trying to navigate through the complexities of life.  I remember the first time I came to the Sunshine Coast.  It was 1994.  I just finished my Bachelor of Education from UBC and I was in the midst of finding employment.  At the time, I managed to get an interview with a school district on Vancouver Island (I came in 2nd), I was hired to be a teacher-on-call in Coquitlam (a metro school district), and I got another interview with School District No.46 (Sunshine Coast).  When I applied for the position, I asked my brother if the Sunshine Coast was in the Lower Mainland.  He said, “yes.”  I applied but had no idea I had to catch a 45 minute ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale and drive 30 minutes to get to my interview in Sechelt.  The interview process took all day.  It was a rainy day.  That day, I met with the school principal, a senior science teacher, and the assistant superintendent.  I recall being between meetings and headed to downtown to grab a lunch and latte.  I remember wanting the job so bad that I stood at the waterfront looking out into the Georgia Straight begging for things to go my way.  Well, I got the job.  I feel fortunate to have worked full-time as a high school mathematics and science teacher in SD46 for 15 years with one-year on maternity leave.  My family and I continue to live on the Sunshine Coast because we love it here.  I am no longer teaching and I remain involved in education as a school trustee, educational consultant, and graduate student.  Once my thesis is complete, I will be faced another decision… job opportunities vs. desirable place to live.  In Davis Bay en route home from the ferry, I would predictably say, “We live here.”  My husband mocks me sometimes, but it’s true.  I take great pride in living on the Sunshine Coast, as you can see with the picture above.  I think about that day standing in front of Pebbles Restaurant begging to win the external job posting.  What would life like had I pursued my teaching career in Coquitlam?  The moons were aligned that day.  With good times (and bad), I was meant to be here on the Coast.

A New Story

It’s time to make another leap into the unknown.  As mentioned in a previous blog, it is soooo easy to get into a place of comfort, familiarity, or habit of the mind.  Now, I don’t mind if this place of being brings you happiness and joy.  I can see why returning back to what is tried and true would be worthwhile.  On the other hand, if this place of being brings you sadness and discomfort… get out, get out now!  There is no shame to acknowledge that things may not be right for you… and leave.

The place of being is evident in our surroundings, experiences, or thoughts.  Personally, they go hand in hand.  What you see is what you believe.  So, if things are no going “right” in your life, things will not go right, and you will need to assess what’s going on in your head.  For me, I am done with the ‘old’ story I tell myself.  “I am not worthy.”  It’s a lie.  What a bunch of crap!  I can see that now.  Because of this belief, I hold myself back from my true potential. These false thoughts protect us from what what we fear.  It could be a fear of failure, a fear of disapproval, a fear of non-acceptance.  We obsess ourselves with our false-story so much that it actually comes true.  That’s the freaky part.
 
I have taken a shift with a new story: “I am worthy.  I am deserving.  I am able.”  No more self-doubt, second thoughts, or what ifs.  Life is about taking risks, taking chances.  There is no failure, just something new to learn.  You never know, unless you try.  I was kindly reminded of this by one of my tutoring clients.  It stings a little when you hear advice that originated from yourself.  I call it “the 180.”  OK.  I will take my own advice and venture forwards.  Worst case scenario, nothing changes.

First, I would like to thank all those who believe in me and recognizes my full-potential.  It reminds me of one of my mantras:  “You can’t tell a drunk, they’re a drunk.”  Not the nicest saying, but it seems to resonate with me. You can’t tell someone how great they are, unless he/she self-acknowledges his/her own greatness.  I have much gratitude to all those who paid me a compliment, gave me a recommendation, or loved me unconditionally.  It has not gone unnoticed.  BTW: “I am great.”

Having a Voice

One the the most liberating things I have done as an educator was creating this edu-blog.  I may have a million readers or none.  Who really knows… (Well, I do check the “stats” but…)  What I do know is that blogging is much more than writing a personal journal.  It’s about having a voice.  For many years, I did not have a voice.  OK.  I may be loud and edu-rant from time to time, as mentioned in an earlier blog, but I felt muted.  I had no voice.  I had no power.  I lived an inauthentic life.

I was thinking, speaking, and feeling what someone else dictated or expected from me.  I was misaligned.  Before leaving the teaching profession, I felt disconnected, depressed, and physically ill.  This is not normal.  I had 4″ cyst, anxiety attacks, and severe hip pain.  I went to counseling, Reiki therapy, and the doctor looking for help.  When you are not able to recognize that “things” are not right, your body certainly tells you so.  I needed a time out, so I quit.  I spent months redefining myself, replenishing my spirit, and rekindling my love for education.  I was done pretending.

This is my voice.  I could be worried or overly concerned that someone would read this blog and judge me.  It’s OK to be judged.  It’s OK to have an opinion.  It’s OK to get feedback.  Taking a leap of faith and venturing into a new direction has been one of the best things that I have done for myself.  First of all, my health is much better and I have challenged myself to take risks, be honest, and do things for the right reasons.  For those following my blog from its meager existence months ago, my voice has changed (as many times as the name of my blog).  I am much happier.  I am joyful.  I am excited about education.  I could not realize this without making the decisions I did.  No regrets.

However, the mind is a fragile one.  I am not about reliving my ‘past life’ but it only takes one incident to return back to the way things were.  That just happened to me the other day.  One conversation and I’m back to feeling fearful, depressed, and disheartened.  I have been trying to make my way back to a place of fullness.  This is not easy work.  So many hurt feelings, so many unanswered questions, so much pain.  I have no desire to return back to the way things were, but I feel muted once again.  My heart feels heavy.  My thoughts seem bleak.  My feelings are uninspired.  Why does this have to be?  Is it about power?  Is it about saving face?  I don’t know, but I feel sick.

I share my experiences not looking for pity or judgement, but as something to learn from.  In this case, FEAR stops me from having a voice.  I feel threatened and scared.  My chest feels tight and I can’t seem to relieve myself from the pain.  Back to bad times… I can keep this to myself and suffer quietly.  Or, I can share my thoughts in hopes of feeling restored seeking help from others.  I opted for the latter.  This set back will not stop me from blogging or living my life to the fullest.  Fear will not get the best of me.  I have many things to be grateful for: my family, my friends, my health, my safety, and respect from my colleagues.  I love teaching, learning, and leading.  Onwards and upwards…

Nurturing the Learning Spirit

May 3, 2012 – I was honoured to be a part of the “Nurturing the Learning Spirit” Forum as a school trustee from the SD46 Board of Education.  The forum was held on the traditional land of the shíshálh First Nation at the Sechelt Indian Band Hall facilitated by Kerry Mahlman, District Principal of Aboriginal Education.  Principal Mahlman welcomed the participants and briefly described the nature of the day and protocol.  Elder Teresa Jefferies welcomes the participants with inspirational words and wisdom on behalf of the shíshálh nation.  Principal Mahlman acknowledges Teresa with a blanket.  Kristi Haavisto, Aboriginal Education Teacher, followed the welcome by leading the group with a song.  Ms. Haavisto described the origin of the song and it’s meaning before we drummed and sang.  I had the pleasure of joining those at front with my Wolf drum.  It was a great way to start the day. 

The “work” portion of the forum involved students, principals/teachers, and community members.  The focus was achievement and Aboriginal education.  Students participating in the forum had Aboriginal heritage. With their supervising principal/teachers, they were grouped according to school.  I was fortunate to work with the students and teachers from Davis Bay Elementary and Gibsons Elementary.  Elementary students, secondary students, and community members were given thought provoking questions appropriate for each group.  Students answered the questions individually then regrouped to report out ‘big ideas’ that best reflects the group.  Forum participants were offered food and drinks before having to present their ‘big ideas’ to the whole group.  At most tables, students presented their group’s ‘big ideas.’  They did a great job.  Once all school groups and community groups were heard, the forum concludes with the “Warrior Song” led by Terry (Coyote) Aleck.

The “Nurturing the Learning Spirit” forum was a wonderful SD46 event that involved Aboriginal students, school principals/teachers, and community members to collaborate, have input, and share ideas about student learning, student success, and achievement.  Thank you Kerry Mahlman and the Aboriginal Education Teaching Team for coordinating and facilitating this event.  Much gratitude.

District Principal Kerry Mahlman addresses the forum attendees

Students from SCAS present their ‘big ideas’ to the collective

Trustee Lori Dixon, Elder Barb Higgins, and Trustee Greg Russell

My ‘Dragonfly’ Wolf drum with “Gib-Dave” Group‘s work

Courtesy of Enid Kelly… Thank You

Learning Together in SD46

What a honor and privilege it is to be a part of the SD46 Professional Development Administration Day at Chatelech Secondary today as a school trustee of the SD46 Board of Education.  Short of two years ago, I taught mathematics at this school and participated in such district wide events as a teacher.  Today, as school trustee, it was nice to reunite with former colleagues and take a moment to watch them engage in dialogue and professional conversation.  Thank you Event Organizers, consultant Nancy Hinds, and Superintendent Patrick Bocking for making “Learning Together – An Inquiry Project” possible.  Much enjoyed the venue, catering, morning coffee, opening remarks, and the collegial engagement that occurred throughout the day.  Active learning, for students and adults, lends itself to personal relevance and meaning.  My deepest gratitude to SD46 for letting me be a part of this professional learning experience.  It was outstanding.  Here are a few pics from the day…

Nancy Hinds and Superintendent Bocking

Collaborating in Search of Inquiry Project Themes

Learning Together in Self-Selected Working Groups

LISTEN

Each day on my pedagogical journey I learn something new.  I am much more aware of my surroundings and I feel awakened.  It seems that with every person I meet, with every conversation I have, and with every new experience… I am learning.  For instance, I went to a conference last weekend and listened to many inspirational speakers, but also I had the opportunity to chat with others.  I met one person at the service awards event who completed her EdD and we shared a common experience with our research.  I met another person that I met twice before, once as a mathematics teacher and another time as a graduate student.  This time, I met her as a school trustee.  It was a wonderful and joyous reunion.  Finally, I met a person during lunch who dramatically changed his career after 20 years of service in a different field and he was optimistic.  I love that I get a chance to meet these people and LISTEN to their stories.  I was meant to meet these people.

On the other hand, when I find myself not listening, I am EDU-RANTING.  It’s more like listening to myself.  Note: Ranting serves no purpose but to be heard.  For example, a few days ago I found myself in situations where I wished I had not said what I said.  It is not to say that what I said was “confidential” or “controversial” but I found myself second guessing myself whether or not what I said was appropriate.  I even deliberated the blog’s title.  “Nothing’s a Secret”… “Learn to Listen”… “Right Place, Right Time.”  As you can see, I had moments of regret.  As an extroverted politician, I show my cards to others.  I have nothing to hide.  This could be a good trait, or a bad one.  In hindsight, I could have spent more time listening.  Listening is a powerful tool.  You just don’t know what you are going to learn without listening.  Listen to others, listen to yourself.  Follow your instincts.

BCSTA AGM 2012

Pulling Together 2011 (Me and the Honourable Steven Point)

Life is full of opportunities.  In this photo, I was fortunate to be a part of the 2011 Pulling Together Canoe Journey on the West Coast of Vancouver Island.  On this journey, the Lieutenant Governor Steven Point joined fleet and paddled amongst us for a day.  As we waited for protocol to depart, the canoes lined up side-by-side such that I was sitting beside the Honorable Steven Point.  He is a super nice guy.  This was a memorable moment.  At this time, I was also taking a graduate studies course at SFU with his wife, Gwen Point.  She is a delight and another memorable experience.  As you know, good things do come in three.  This year, I attended my first BCSTA AGM, that is, the BC School Trustees’ Association Annual General Meeting, and the Honorable Steven Point spoke to the delegates in the opening ceremony.  His story was absolutely amazing.  Thank you so much.

I am still considered a “new trustee.”  It’s been 5 months since I was elected and I am enjoying every minute of it.  I love working with the 2011-2014 Board of Education and SD46 senior management team.  I am learning so much about public education in terms of governance, policy, and process.  I am meeting people who I would not have met had I not been a school trustee.  And, being a school trustee has given me a different perspective on public education that is different from being a public school teacher.  Well, the experience as a local politician, so far, has exceeded my expectations.

The 108th BCSTA AGM 2012 was my first BCSTA AGM as a school trustee.  Loved it.  It was a phenomenal event.  The theme of the event was Aboriginal Education, titled “Honouring Traditional Learning in the 21st Century: A Journey of Discovery.”  The 4-day event begins with the Opening Plenary Thursday evening, Professional Development all-day Friday, the AGM all-day Saturday, and unfinished business and/or committee meetings on Sunday.  I attended the first 3 days of the BCSTA AGM and left Sunday morning.  I met so many people, listened to so many stories.  Much learned.

Some highlights… The event opens with students from School District No.92 (Nisga’a) drumming, singing, and dancing.  The children even sang O’Canada in their native language.  Loved it!  As mentioned earlier, the Lieutenant Governor Steven Point addressed the delegates with a beautiful story of his educational experience as a First Nations student in BC public education to be followed by the stories shared by keynote speaker, Dr. Evan Adams.  Dr. Adams’s academic history and life experiences are diverse, dramatic, and inspirational.  Thank you both for sharing.  On the following day, I had the pleasure of listening to Dr. Lorna Williams from the University of Victoria and a panel of Aboriginal educators from North Vancouver, Haida Gwaii, and Kamloops.  Thank you all!

Aside from various speakers who addressed the delegates throughout the weekend, the AGM portion of the weekend was also productive, enlightening, and very enjoyable.  It was great to see the delegates vote for (or against) motions put forward and debate.  The SD46 Board of Education Chair, Silas White, was “the closer” of the AGM as one of the Deputy Chairs.  He did an excellent job utilizing Robert’s Rules and keeping the delegates in order.  Well done, Silas.  At last, I would also like to mention Trustee Lori Pratt from SD46 who put her name forward to as one of the 8 candidates for the position of Director of BCSTA.  Although she did not make the final 5, Lori’s speech was thoughtful, well-spoken, and reflective of the conference.  She, too, did a great job.

Thank you BCSTA Staff, the BCSTA Education Committee, and BCSTA Aboriginal Education Committee for organizing and creating such a wonderful event.  All my relations.

Making a Difference

One of the most wonderful things about teaching kids is making a difference in their lives.  I was inspired to write this blog after sharing a story with a colleague about one of my former students.  This student completely turned his life around 180 degrees and I was convinced after sharing this story that teachers do make a difference in their students’ lives in one way or another.

This story was about a student who had a bad reputation in the school.  I had not met this student before in grades 8-10, but he certainly had a legacy that I did not want to know about.  I would best describe him as a ‘tough guy.’  He was known for his physical strength, but when he entered into my Principles of Math 11 classroom I saw intellectual strength.  This ‘tough guy’ was a ‘smart guy.’

This student started the Math 11 course with a B, but his grade steady declined.  As his grade decreased, the more disengaged this student got.  This student relied much on his natural talent or ‘gift for math’ to get by.  There is always a turning point for this kind of learner.  There are limitations with natural talent and without nurturing the natural talent, the grade will one day dramatically drop.

He lost hope.  This student gained more of my attention due to behaviour management instead of intellectual engagement.  One day, he stayed after school and approached my desk.  I was sitting down and he hovered over me, pointing at me… “You are a bad teacher”… “I’m going to drop this course”… “I’m going to fail anyway.”  Albeit intimidated, I was unwilling to accept his claims.  I rebutted with “Come to tutorials”… “Think about retesting”… “You don’t have to repeat the course.”

Nothing happened for a few days, then one day he walked into my class during lunchtime tutorial.  He sat down face-to-face with me and said, “help.”  My personal fear quickly turned into JOY.  I replied, “You’ve got to start doing homework.”  One step a a time, one day at a time… we strategized, we struggled, we conquered.  By the end of the semester, he changed his failing grade to an A.  In fact, he achieved 88% in the course work and 88% on the final exam.  A true victory!

This student was able to transfer what he learned about himself and his ability to learn to other courses and other facets of his life.  Before I left teaching, this student started my Math 12 course with no-retesting, doing homework assignments, and achieving grades in the top 10% of his class.  In the end, he graduated from high school with a School District Scholarship.  As much as I may feel like I made a difference in his life, he in turn made a HUGE difference mine.  Thanks Dom!

Talking About Education

It was brought to my awareness a couple of nights ago that I could talk about education for a long time… a very long time… and not get sick of it.  Is that weird?  I’ve heard that if you find your passion, time seems to cease.  I think my passion is Education.  Sounds strange to say that my passion is education when I have taught in public schools for 16 years (ie. the life span of about 2.3 careers), I’m pursuing a doctoral degree in educational leadership, and I am an elected school trustee in my community. Personally, I find it kind of weird to finally actualize my true calling when it is something that I have been doing for years.

Yesterday, I was talking about education over a span of 12 hours. Seems excessive, but it exemplifies my passion for education. First, I met up with one of my colleagues and chatted for 2 hours about teaching and learning. The coffee was pretty good too. However, The 2 hours felt more like 20 minutes. I had to end our conversation abruptly to go to the school board office to chair the SD46 Education Standing Committee meeting. Once again, the 2 hour meeting (that is, 30 minutes overtime) felt more like 20 minutes. Zoom. I had to rush home to greet my daughter and start tutoring students. My first client of the afternoon was more like a goal setting session than a tutoring session which lasted for 1.5 hours (again, 30 minutes overtime). He seemed content with the session but my second client canceled due to illness. So, I made a yummy dinner for my family, ate dinner, and my third client arrives. In this session, we plowed through several big concepts in Chemistry 11 and Pre-Calculus 11. The hour just flew by. Finally, the fourth client arrives but we soon realize that she was still ahead on the content compared to the rest of her class. Last week we worked on topics that she would be potentially miss during her excused absences. We used the session instead to talk about course planning with her mom; another engaging conversation about education. Talking all day about education and loving it.

My little family does not like to talking about education as much as I do and that’s OK. They are passionate about other things like hockey, softball, swimming, and mountain biking. They are all good things too, but not something I would be interested in (at least, not yet). What’s your passion?