Day 26: Favorite Teacher

When I reflect back on my school years several teachers stand out to me: Mr Favat - 7th grade English who encouraged me to keep writing…. stories, poems, doesn't matter .. "just keep writing," he told me. And Mr. Stanley - 10th grade Health whose lessons still ring true today - it was more of a human relations class and life lessons than it was a traditional high school Health class.

Yet, the person that changed things for me was a professor that I encountered when I returned to college as an adult to complete my Bachelor's Degree. At the time I wasn't even sure what my major was going to be, as I'm was fully emerged in a successful career that didn't require additional training or education.

When I found Professor Pfitzer in the American Studies department at Skidmore College I was hooked. His classes inspired me to grow and learn in ways I hadn't done previously. I developed a love of History and for putting the pieces together that I treasure to this day.

He could have treated me differently, as I was not a traditional undergrad. I was much older and there for different reasons than most. And, yet, he valued what I brought to the classroom and encouraged me to continue to share my perspective - and it's uniqueness from the other students.

During those classes he showed me I bring value, I am smart and I have the ability to learn in a different way than I realize. He brought so much self-confidence to me, and in the spirit of Thanksgiving I am grateful to him for all he taught me!

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Month of Miracles

photo credit: http://marcestes.com/2011/02/11/miracles-the-need-for-the-hour/ In the tradition of continuing the commitment to writing each day, I am beginning the month of December as I have for many years…. with a passage from Simple Abundance about December. "December's gifts - custom, ceremony, celebration, consecration - come to us wrapped up, not in tissue and ribbons, but in cherished memories. This is the month of miracles. The oil that burns for eight days, the royal son born in a stable, the inexplicable return of Light on the longest, darkest night of the year. Where there is Love, there are always miracles. And where there are miracles, there is great joy. Gratefully, we weave the golden thread of .. joy in our tapestry of contentment. At last we embrace the miracle of authenticity, changing forever how we view ourselves. Our daily round. Our dreams. Our destinies. Days we once called common, we now call hol...

Day 19: My first job

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#BeBrave

I found myself in an unfamiliar and uncomfortable place this week. It's taken me days to process what occurred, how I responded and how I'm choosing to move forward. In a professional environment, during an ordinary 3pm de-brief meeting I found myself being verbally attacked and disrespected by a bully. I remained calm, spoke my mind carefully and respectfully. It was surprising and over the next few days became increasingly unsettling. There were others in the room, and no one spoke to support me. It has struck me as so odd, hurtful and profoundly unacceptable. Like any good drama episode written by Aaron Sorkin or JJ Abrams, let's rewind to 8 hours earlier. Once again browsing new selections in iTunes for my running mix. I know, I get bored easily, huh? I love how the music motivates me so I'm always on the lookout for new and upbeat songs. I came across a feature for the new Sara Bareilles album streaming for free this weekend, so I b...

Run, Laugh, Eat, Repeat

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