KATE Conference Reflection

WOW.

Where does the time go? 

I swear that just yesterday it was October 1st, and I was lying in bed, practically sweating out of nervousness, thinking about planning and facilitating a round-table discussion for the KATE conference. 

Now here we are, two days after the fact, and, if I'm being honest, I could not feel more relieved that it is over. 

Don't get me wrong. Attending the KATE conference was an amazing experience for several reasons:

1) I learned that I am not alone in my struggles with motivating students to pay attention.

2) I learned that I am not alone in my struggles with helping students deeply analyze texts.

3) I learned that I am not alone in my struggles with finding effective classroom management. 

...basically what I learned from this conference is that I am not alone. 

And that I am not the only one who faces the struggles and experiences the feelings that I have been encoutnering this past semester. 

And that I'm actually much more prepared and knowledgeable than I thought I was. 

And that's a pretty cool feeling. 

I am also thankful for this conference because it gave me the opportunity to push myself outside of my comfort zone. 

I was terrified to stand up in front of seasoned teachers and attempt to lead them in a discussion about a topic that I had little experience with. There was even one moment in time where I was basically pleading Dr. Cramer to let me bail and not go through with it. 

However, I am so glad that Dr. Cramer pushed me and forced me to challenge myself. 

Because, as mentioned previously, I realized that I have some pretty cool things to say. And that it's up to me to own my story (thanks Laura Packer), or presentation, or thoughts, or feelings, and to stand by them so as to make them meaningful and impactful for those around me. 

I realized that my voice has value. And there's no way to measure or express how empowering that is. 

My voice has value. 

I can make a difference. 

I will be impactful. 

I was meant for this. 

P.S.

I'm thankful for my classmates and professors and the amazing social at the Public. What a blessing it is to be surrounded by people that are cool, fun, supportive, and talented. 

I really don't think life could be any better.