I See D.C.!

Even though I have been on my Fulbright journey since September, this felt like another new beginning on my Fulbright. After taking part in an amazing 10 week online life-changing course, my peers and I all came together in Washington D.C. for our Teachers for Global Classrooms Symposium. It felt as the first day of college, meeting everyone for the first time in person. However, we all had an already established special bond in our love for teaching and global education. I can honestly say that i have made life-long friends after this experience! Upon my return to Minnesota I have explained to my family and friends that this was a truly life changing experience and I will forever hold it as a pivotal moment in my life.

Highlight #1: Morocco prep

I had a change to meet the 14 teachers in my cohort as well as a Morocco alum and a Moroccan teacher. As soon as we dove into information, I knew my placement was a perfect fit. I also knew that I better get lesson planning and packing!

Highlight #2: Global Lesson Plans Peer Review

Initially the thought of having your work that you have put your heart and soul into on display for insanely talented teachers to review was nerve wracking to say the least. But once we started the process I quickly realized that we are all in this together - and I learned a lot from many inspiring lesson plans I reviewed! I also received valuable feedback from the brilliant minds around me.

Highlight #3: Alumni Panel

Hearing from the alumni of the TGC program sparked hope and drive. Seeing the cool things they do in their classrooms and opportunities that came about after this program definitely gave me inspiration to continue putting my heart and soul into this experience. So thankful for their insight.

Highlight #4: "It's a small world" experience at the Resource Fair

I toured many companies who could help support me on my global education journey. After arriving at the Goethe Institute booth, I met Eva from Germany. We got to chatting and I mentioned that my own children attend a German Immersion School. After chatting more, I found out that she is going to be an intern this coming fall for their school! It was an amazing twilight-zone-like connection. I am excited to welcome her to Minnesota in the fall.

Highlight #5: Dr. Hakim Williams

Never have a seen a presenter so incredibly engaged with his audience. I learned things from Dr. Williams that I didn't know that I didn't know. I was happy to keep working on my cross-cultural communication skills. Was extremely valuable talk before my field experience.

Highlight #6: New Friends

As you move further along in life, making new friends becomes more of a rarity. This experience put me together with 73 other very like-minded people. It was no doubt that we would all get on very well. I look forward to travelling with, collaborating with and just hanging out with my new people.

#Fulbright #ExchangeOurWorld #globaled #TeacherLeader