We had our first full day of professional development for our Einstein Fellow group this week. One activity we did really got to me. We were supposed to bring and share an "artifact" to show what we were working on. I worked on it for a couple of hours the night before after having spent the week trying to figure out what I was going to share. I ended up sharing the story of Apple's "Think Different" ad campaign from the 80's. My favorite poster from that series was one of Jim Hensen and Kermit the Frog. If you know me, you know how much I admire Jim Hensen and Kermit for what they stood for. I read the words that accompanied the images in that ad campaign:
As I read these words, I looked out on the 14 other fellows in the room told them we were the "Crazy Ones" because we all put our lives on hold to do amazing things. And we are going to change the world.
But I wasn't done. I also said that it is hard sometimes, being away from family and friends. In the song "The Rainbow Connection", Kermit sings a line, "There's not a word yet, for old friends who've just met." As I looked at the other fellows faces, I got a bit choked up as I told them that they all feel like old friends already. I feel a bond with these colleagues that I was not expecting, but it fills me with gratitude.
Then I realized how very lucky I am. I have people across the US who are have become family to me and I have worked with people who are family to me. I am so grateful for their friendship and for allowing me to be me.
Thanks to my AP friends: (these pics are a small sample)
Thanks to the best science department I have ever worked in
And thanks to the students. I wouldn't be the teacher I am without you. You are the reason I do what I do. And the messages you left me on my last day are on my bedroom wall. I read them every morning before I head to Capitol Hill. Those thank yous from students fill my heart and sometimes keep me going.
So thank a teacher. Thank a friend. Thank your family. You have no idea the kind of impact you can make when you show someone gratitude.