"Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you." (Emerson)

More than anything this video clip reconfirmed the importance of moving forward, of taking action, of making the most of yourself.

I feel educators are the bridge that connects people with their dreams. Education doesn't guarantee dreams will come true, but it definitely gets the dreamer closer. Education is the best insurance policy. It is something which can't be taken from you. It is a foundation for those who have been dealt instability, hardship, and lack of opportunity. By making the decision to change their lives, not allowing their situations to determine where they'll go, they have already started walking the path of opportunity. Educators have a great responsibility to support, acknowledge, help, and to a certain degree, inspire. It is one of the greatest, most needed professions in the world. It takes my breath away when I think about the income teachers make.

This last week in class we went over "everything Google". To say I'm overwhelmed and slightly confused is an understatement. I had no idea Google was so...vast. I felt like I was being taken somewhere I didn't know existed.

With that in mind, I learned a lot. More than I anticipated. But I also feel I didn't retain as much as I could have because it was so new to me. I am excited to really get a good feel for Google. I think it will really help with my ideal classroom set-up. For example, the calendar is great! I've already started thinking about different events I could post (choir tour, concerts, sectionals, mandatory performances, due dates, etc). I'm also excited about the forms and spreadsheets. Wow! Where do I start with those?!? I can take role, create financial reports (choir tour, classroom fees, etc), create seating charts, and so much more! This has started my heart pumping because I live off of being organized. I feel like Google is honestly going to help me feel organized, like I can keep track of the classroom without going crazy!

I'm also excited about the power-point set up. I think this will benefit me and my students when I go over theory items. Rather than writing on the board I put a fun presentation together, full of pictures, links to online videos, facts, and helpful hints on how to remember what's being taught. I could also save the power-point and make it accessible for my students to print off or review. I am one who learns through repetition, so reviewing and repeating help me significantly. Not only will information be available for review, the information will be presented in different ways. Those who learn visually will have the lesson presented visually. Those who learn audibly will have the lesson presented audibly, etc.

What Google offers is incredibly innovative and efficient. It's tremendous!! Even though my teaching career is a good year to a year-and-a-half away, I can't help but get excited about it!