“The key to change… is to let go of fear.” – Rosanne Cash
The Dissertation Journey is extremely challenging and life-changing, to say the least. One of the biggest reasons why the dissertation process has been so difficult is my willingness to change. Although change is a constant in life, I like to hold onto old ideas and beliefs. To truly change, one has to overcome one’s fear. Facing fear is not easy. I carried many false beliefs about my writing ability, teaching practice, and academic potential. To my delight, I have been proven wrong. What have I learned so far? Don’t underestimate yourself. Let go. And, anything is possible. Last weekend, I attended and presented at the SFU Faculty of Education Summer Institute. I followed through, shared my thoughts, and got feedback. As a result, my research has shifted (again). It’s all good. With one step forward, my false beliefs were negated. That is super cool. Must do again. My dissertation will be done… in due time. Now, back to academic writing.
Written by Christine Ho Younghusband, July 19th, 2012 | Comments Off on A Willingness to Change
Just the other day, I was traveling on SkyTrain and observed a woman who boarded the train en route from SFU-Surrey to Vancouver. The woman sat down, opened a plastic bag, grabbed a can of beer, opened it, and started to drink it. It was a matter of fact. She drank a can of beer on this Saturday afternoon with no regard for the rules or what other people thought of her.
Feeling disconnected. Sometimes life sucks. To cope, I have a few preferred strategies to temporarily avoid life. I play BeJeweled, watch TV, eat chips, and sleep excessively. These are my vices. It’s OK to escape life from time to time but if it becomes a way of life, one has to stop and question… What’s happening? What’s going on? What’s the source of my unhappiness?
This woman was disconnected. Drinking an Extra Old Stock on Skytrain tells me that she was not living her life. What is her story? What is her pain? In the end, you can only control yourself. You cannot control others. Ultimately, you choose. Avoidance sucks! Blaming sucks! Own it, deal with it, and move on…
Written by Christine Ho Younghusband, July 18th, 2012 | Comments Off on Disconnected
I’m back. From July 2-10, I was in Powell River, BC at the 2012 Pulling Together Canoe Journey – “Return to Sliammon.” It was an amazing experience. I met so many new people, reunited with others from Pulling Together 2010 & 2011, and paddled in another canoe. This has been my third year pulling with the SD46 Spirit Canoe. Half of the crew were new, the other half returnees. I was an extra puller and paddled part-time with the SD46 Canoe, when needed, and paddled with the VPD Dimitri. I truly enjoyed that experience. As per usual, I had life lessons to learn on the Journey. With that said, I had much gratitude for those pulling in the Sunshine Coast Pulling Together family, the youth, and the Sliammon People. The hospitality was awesome. We visited sacred ancestral sites, sang many songs, and enjoyed home cooked meals. Thank you Pulling Together Society, the Vancouver Police, and Collingwood Canoe Club for orchestrating the 2012 Pulling Together Journey with the Sliammon Nation. Lots of memories, lots of leadership, and lots of inspiration… Pulling Together is an incredible opportunity to help build relations between aboriginal youth and police. I feel honoured to be a part of this canoe journey. If you are interested to see some pictures, stories, or people from the Sunshine Coast Crew, check out our SCPT Blog at http://sunshinecoastpullingtogether2012.wordpress.com/
Written by Christine Ho Younghusband, July 14th, 2012 | Comments Off on Return from Sliammon
Going in a couple of days to Powell River to be a part of the Pulling Together Journey 2012 – Return to Sliammon from July 2nd to 10th. This will be my third canoe journey with School District No.46 (Sunshine Coast) Spirit Canoe. First and foremost, I feel honoured and privileged to be a part of the 2012 Journey and look forward to it.
Initially, I was not on the original crew list for this canoe journey. I was a late addition. I am glad to be back, but I was also good with the idea of inviting new people to paddle. Truthfully, I thought it was a good sign from the universe that my transformation was complete and proceed with life. Apparently, this is not the case and I’m back.
The intentions of the Journey is to build relations with the police/RCMP and aboriginal youth. This year, the Return to Sliammon, is hosted by the Vancouver Police and Collingwood Aboriginal Youth Canoe Club. For me, the Journey is a catalyst. In chemistry, a catalyst is not consumed by the chemical reaction, but the rate of reaction is expediated.
In 2010, I was a secondary mathematics and science teacher, I met my BFF on the Journey (and I’m her side-kick), turned 40, and left the teaching profession. In 2011, I was self-employed continuing my graduate studies in educational leadership, I had to forgive myself, redefine my purpose, and find my self-worth. Whew. It was not an easy task.
In 2012, I am now a school trustee, still continuing with my studies, and my business is flourishing. I love what I am doing, I work at Simon Fraser University, and I’m taking advantage of opportunities as a graduate student and municipal politician. Not being invited on the 2012 journey was a good sign. Being invited back makes me curious.
I believe that things happen for a reason. I love working with the youth on the journey and meeting new people. What I do appreciate are the life lessons to be learned along the way. I feel the same excitement today as I did on my first journey in 2010. No expectations, but wondering what may happen. If anything, I will be learning something new.
If you want to follow the Sunshine Coast Pulling Together crew during the 2012 Pulling Together Canoe Journey in Powell River – Sliammon… follow our blog at http://sunshinecoastpullingtogether2012.wordpress.com/ or Twitter: @PullingTogether. It’s my job on the journey to stay in touch the the outside world on behalf of the #SCPT2012.
Written by Christine Ho Younghusband, July 01st, 2012 | Comments Off on The Journey
As mentioned in a previous blog entry, it was an amazing and unique opportunity to greet these very students in this photo from my Math 11 class in 2010 on their graduation day as school trustee in 2012. I loved being with this math class. They were so dynamic, diverse, and engaged… it was a math teacher’s dream. I also loved addressing their graduating class on behalf of the Board of Education and shaking their hands as they received their school leaving certificates and grad photo composite. I am very grateful to have this memorable experience with these students in the classroom and on stage.
This picture was taken on my last day of work, November 26, 2010. Yes, I left in the middle of the semester. Yes, timing could have been better. Yes, it was the right time to go. Strangely, because these kids and my other classes of Science 9, Math 12, and Workplace Math 10 were so great, it seemed like a good time to embark on other education leadership adventures that involves teaching and learning. My students were so upbeat and seemingly self-sufficient to advocate for their own learning, it’s much easier for me as a teacher to let go and take a different direction. I love these guys so much… they reciprocated their love and respect for me by letting me go with grace and dignity in 2010 and continued our mutual love and respect with hugs and kind words at graduation.
To be truthful, I will always remember this graduating class. I was at the face with change in 2010 and they were there for me. In 2012, they are at the face of change and I was there for them. I will never forget the support this class and many other students had given me almost two years ago. I am truly enjoying my new role as school trustee as a means of support students and their learning. But the point of this blog was to talk about “the greatest compliment.” Honestly, the greatest compliment is when students ask me when I will be returning back to teaching… when parents ask me when I will be returning to teaching… when colleagues ask me when I will be returning back to teaching. This question has struck a chord with me lately and I feel that I should acknowledge these people who asked in my blog.
This is not an easy question to answer. I love teaching. I love learning. I love educational leadership. Right now, I am enjoying my role as school trustee, graduate student, and entrepreneur. I like that I get to go on field trips or school assemblies with my daughter. I like being a part of policy making and governance of a school district. I like checking out different schools to see how people do their jobs and watch students engage in their learning. I like that I can explore an aspect of teaching as a researcher and investigate the problem with some objectivity. I like that I am still teaching students and teachers with my company. I am in a good place right now. However, once my 3-year term has ended as school trustee and my dissertation is complete… who knows what the future holds. I may return back to teaching or explore other options that promotes teaching and learning. We’ll soon see. It’s one day at a time.
Written by Christine Ho Younghusband, June 29th, 2012 | Comments Off on The Greatest Compliment
Addressing the Chatelech Grads on Behalf of the Board
What a highlight to my educational leadership career as school trustee to address the Chatelech Secondary Graduates of 2012 on behalf of the SD46 Board of Education. I worked at Chatelech for 16 years as a secondary mathematics, science, and chemistry teacher. As much as I enjoyed teaching and leadership opportunities as an employee of the school district, I loved having the opportunity to speak to the Grad Class as a whole in addition to all of their families, community members, and honoured guests as school trustee. The best part was being a part of the procession line, shaking hands as student receive their Grad Class composite photo, and reuniting with former students. I could not do that as a practicing teacher. I would have been on the side lines, looking from a far, clapping my hands. As school trustee, I was right there immersed in the experience. I could feel the students’ excitement and joy. It was wonderful. Congratulations Chatelech Grad 2012.
Attached below is my 300 word speech that I delivered to the Graduates. Some words were adapted here and there, but overall it’s what I said. Thank you all those who shared kind words to me throughout the evening. I hope it showed on Coast Cable 11 that I was 100% stoked for the kids as school trustee and former mathematics teacher. I am so proud of these guys. What was full-circle of last night’s experience was being greeted by former students. At the beginning of the ceremony, a couple of girls who graduated a handful of years ago said hello. We updated what’s happening in our lives… what’s new… what’s not new. It was super fun. At the end of the ceremony, another former student said hello. He even addressed my by former name, “Ms. Ho.” Yup. He graduated in the 90’s, over 10 years ago. It was great seeing him and I even remembered his name. To be honest, he was a memorable guy and I was so happy to reunite with him. We chatted, talked about what’s new, and reminisced about the good times at Chatelech.
You see, this is the BEST part about education. You change people’s lives. In return, they change yours. The thank you’s, shared stories, and reunions keep me excited about teaching, learning, and educational leadership. Thank you everyone for the experience last night. Very memorable. Looking forward to the next 2 years of my term.
CHATELECH GRADUATION 2012 ADDRESS:
Good evening. It’s an honour to speak to the Chatelech Graduates of 2012 on behalf of the Board of Education. There are many familiar faces and many memories. It is good seeing you all tonight, as school trustee, on this special day of celebration.
Welcome Graduates to another turning point in your life… What’s next? What does the future hold? What do you want to do for the rest of your life?
These questions are not easy to answer, nor should they be. Life is an adventure and tonight, you are at the face of change. Change can be handled in two ways… with fear or with an open mind. My advice: choose the latter.
In 1994, the year you were born, I started my teaching career here at Chatelech. Since then, I know of many Chatelech alumni who became artists, accountants, musicians, writers, fashion designers, doctors, entrepreneurs, full-time moms, veterinarians, contractors, nurses, world travelers, dancers, engineers, politicians, world-class athletes, and yes… school teachers.
The message… Be what ever you want to be. Go wherever you want to go. Find your passion. You are only limited by what you believe is possible. Get out of the GULAG, as someone would say. Be yourself. Trust your instincts. Follow your intuition.
(quote) “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something – your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.” (unquote)
(Steve Jobs, Stanford Commencement Address, 2005)
All the best with your future endeavours Chatelech Graduates and congratulations. Remember, anything is possible. Set your mind to it and go for it.
Congratulations Chatelech Graduates of 2012 – You are all super great! (June 26, 2012)
Written by Christine Ho Younghusband, June 27th, 2012 | Comments Off on On Behalf of the Board
What an amazing event at Robert Creek Community Elementary School (RCCES). On June 21st, the students, staff, and community members celebrated ABORIGINAL DAY. Students were divided up into groups and rotated through stations throughout the day (as seen above). The day was beautiful. The sun was shining and students were enjoying the outdoor/aboriginal education day. As school trustee, I am fortunate to partake in such a wonderful event. The bannock, salal berry jelly, and BBQ salmon were delicious. I much enjoyed the drumming, singing, and stories told about the canoe and teepee. All-in-all, it was a memorable day. Thank you to the organizers, the SD46 Aboriginal Education Team, and the RCCES Parent Advisory Council. This day could not have been possible without the work of all of you.
Thank you RCCES and Happy Aboriginal Day.
The Friendship Circle
Written by Christine Ho Younghusband, June 26th, 2012 | Comments Off on Aboriginal Day at RCCES
It’s the end of the school year and various celebrations are occurring on the Sunshine Coast to celebrate our teachers, administrators, and support staff. I feel honoured to have attended a few celebrations so far as school trustee. I’ve gone to the Retired Teachers / Long Service Awards Luncheon and the ACE-IT Carpentry Program Celebration. I am a little bummed that I was unable to attend the Sunshine Coast Teachers’ Association (SCTA) Retired Teachers Celebration and the West Sechelt Elementary Retired Teachers/Staff Celebration. Lots of stories shared. However, I am happy to know that these people are being acknowledged and celebrated. Thank you all for the invitations and CONGRATULATIONS to retired teachers, long-serving staff, and Ace-It students. You are all super awesome!
Retired Teachers and School Principals Celebration 2012
Long Serving SD46 Employees (31+ Years of Service)
SCAS Ace-It Carpentry Program Celebration 2012
Written by Christine Ho Younghusband, June 26th, 2012 | Comments Off on A Time for Celebration
This is a Coast Reporter “Letter to the Editor” submission I have just composed (and just tweaked in the blog post submission. Sheesh. If published, I hope that the editor tweaks it too. I just wanted to share with you an amazing learning experience I had the other day that has SHIFTED my thinking with regard to the shíshálh Nation and what teaching & learning could look like for aboriginal students and students in general. I loved the community feel of the shíshálh Nation Business Networking Forum. It took a lot of courage to lunge forward to share their stories in hopes of building relationships and business partnerships. I appreciated their honesty and positive attitude about moving forwards. There is a sense of justice, or right-doing, with the stories shared, partnerships acknowledged, and willingness to collaborate. I guess this preamble could have been used as part of the Letter to the Editor submission, but can’t go back in time. It’s about the now. Moving forwards.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR SUBMISSION (Submitted: June 15, 2012)
Thank you shíshálh First Nation for hosting the Business Network Forum on June 14, 2012. I went to the event as a school trustee, but could have attended the event as a business owner or teacher. I was one of many. This inaugural event was informative and inspirational. My understanding of the shíshálh Nation has exponentially expanded beyond my limited understanding of the Raven’s Cry Theatre and Extra Foods Gas Bar. People from the shíshálh Nation opened their arms to the business community and government organizations to share their stories and information about SIB, SIGD, Tsain-Ko, and shíshálh Nation. I loved the drumming and singing, the various speakers, the buffet lunch, and keynote speaker Howard Rainer. Much like any professional development, the opportunity to network was worthwhile. I enjoyed chatting with Chief Garry Feschuk, SIB/SIGD council members, staff members, forum attendees, and those manning the presentation tables. I appreciated the aboriginal approach to the forum and felt welcomed into the community. I learned so much and walk away from the forum with many stories and the potential for partnerships. Bottom line: It’s not about the past, but it’s about building relationships, opportunities, and mutual understanding. We all come with a history, but we can move forward working together towards a common goal. This is only the beginning. All my relations.
Written by Christine Ho Younghusband, June 15th, 2012 | Comments Off on shíshálh Nation Business Networking Forum
With a zillion things on the go, it’s often difficult to determine if I am living the dream or dreaming to live. I stepped away from a full-pension situation to explore other opportunities in education and leadership. I wanted to learn “something new.” I planted seeds to watch what happens. Some things take, other things don’t. Either way, it was meant to be. As unorthodox my pedagogical journey is, I am so grateful to be inthe right place, right time. I love tutoring & consulting. I love working with teachers on promoting math education. I love working at SFU supporting teachers as learners. I love being a school trustee. After a lively, to say the least, 3-hour Board of Education meeting, I walked away from the event feeling purposeful. Now that’s a good feeling.
Written by Christine Ho Younghusband, June 13th, 2012 | Comments Off on Right Place, Right Time
The Dissertation Journey is extremely challenging and life-changing, to say the least. One of the biggest reasons why the dissertation process has been so difficult is my willingness to change. Although change is a constant in life, I like to hold onto old ideas and beliefs. To truly change, one has to overcome one’s fear. Facing fear is not easy. I carried many false beliefs about my writing ability, teaching practice, and academic potential. To my delight, I have been proven wrong. What have I learned so far? Don’t underestimate yourself. Let go. And, anything is possible. Last weekend, I attended and presented at the SFU Faculty of Education Summer Institute. I followed through, shared my thoughts, and got feedback. As a result, my research has shifted (again). It’s all good. With one step forward, my false beliefs were negated. That is super cool. Must do again. My dissertation will be done… in due time. Now, back to academic writing. 
