It's always been hard for me to write a good comprehensive post over a year of time because I know I always leave people or events out that were important to me.
But alas, I love reflecting and thought it'd be great to look back at a year gone by, before heading into a brand new adventure; 2016. I'm mainly going to focus on all things education related!
People
So I thought I'd start first with some people who really made 2016 special for me. Again, I know I'm going to leave people out, it always happens, but here goes anyway!
Ben Gilpin and Brad Gustafson - these two guys, where do I even begin? These guys are my big brothers, my mentors, my encouragers, my friends. This year saw us taking on new adventures together and getting to know each other on an even deeper level. I still remember Ben and me flying to Minnesota in January to surprise Brad for graduating with his doctorate. And man was he surprised. But to form a friendship like that, where we'll fly across the country for each other is something special (I wrote about that trip HERE). Then connecting again at NAESP in Long Beach and having our wives meet (and more importantly, get along!), to meeting up at EdCampLeader in Chicago, to meeting up with Brad and his wife in DC for the Bammys, to making a special trip to Michigan during my Thanksgiving Break to hang out with Ben and see his school for a day. I can't even accurately express the impact these two have had on me, and I look forward to many more adventures in 2016.
Tony Sinanis - I met Tony very briefly in 2014 at the Bammy Awards, but after finding out we are birthday twins, I got to know Tony on an even deeper level this year. Tony is such a ball of energy and encouragement. He speaks honestly, but constantly with care. I've learned a lot from Tony this year and have such appreciated his leadership and friendship!
Felix Jacomino - Felix has been a buddy of mine for a while but after inviting me to be a part of Miami Device again this year, and getting to catch up with him at other EdTech Events I got to know Felix even more. Felix's commitment to kids and furthering education is inspiring and he always is pushing me to try something new. Felix is that guy that always says "hey I found this new website/app, have you heard of it??" and my answer is always, "no, tell me more!". Felix is encouraging but thought provoking. He pushed me continually this year to try new things.
Brandon Blom, Theresa Stager, Melinda Miller, Jeff Herb, Brent Clarkson, Jennifer LaGarde, Donalyn Miller, Eric Sheninger, Ron Clark, and Dave Burgess - Each of these people I either got to meet F2F for the first time or actually got to spend more time learning from and alongside them. Each of these I consider a friend, a mentor, a boundary pusher, an encourager, and so much more. I think about my several summer interactions with Brandon, Theresa, and Melinda who challenged my thinking! I think about finally meeting Jeff Herb who blew my mind with his awesomeness and building that friendship up and even starting PeriScopeOut. From getting to know Brent Clarkson more and learning through the amazingness that he shares. To continuing being challenged by Jennifer LaGarde and her brave fierceness yet deep compassion. To finally meeting Donalyn Miller (and having her be everything I'd dreamed she'd be) and using her book to bring about drastic change on my campus. To having Eric Sheninger spend a day at my school and help me identify some things I can do to help the campus, the teachers, the students, and to push me into being better. He's always been so honest and real with me. To the "prank call" turned into "real call" from my buddy Ron Clark that had Adam Welcome and I freaking out. And to Dave Burgess, who's been a friend for a while now, but continually pushes my thinking, challenges me, and believed in me (and Adam) enough to sign me to a book deal. Wow.
Jon Harper - Jon is someone I have yet to meet F2F, but is one of those friends who we leave 3-5 minute voxer messages for. Jon is an incredible writer and makes me always want to blog better. Jon also is such a deep thinker and honest man. He's encouraging and thoughtful. I can't wait to meet him face to face one day!
Greg Smedley - A great friendship that kind of came out of nowhere! Greg was so kind enough to even visit my campus last year (and hopefully again this school year) and work with my teachers for two days! Greg has been a great friend that I've loved getting to know more and more and watch how much he challenges himself to always be his best and to always provide rare and special opportunities for his students. I have learned so much from him!
Aaron Marvel, Teresa Garrett, Kathy French, Geralyn Jackson, Cewilla Thomas - my admin team at Webb! Everything we've accomplished we've done together. I can NOT write a post about a year without including these people. They work tirelessly, countless hours, and with many a broken kid. Yet they show up every day ready to tackle whatever may come our way. They've always got each other's backs and always want what's best for kids regardless of how much work it'll be. I love these 5 people and am better every day I get to work alongside them.
Chris Pombonyo - Chris is a friendship that kind of came out of nowhere, but one that I couldn't be more thankful for. Chris and I finally met F2F this summer and our friendship has only grown since then. Chris is one of the most energetic and inspiring educators I've ever met. His passion is hard to match and his creativity is off the charts. I am dying to one day see him in action in his classroom because the things he shares are mind-blowing. Chris has been a listening ear and a constant stream of encouragement these past 6 months. He's pushed me outside of my comfort zone and for sure, 100%, made me a better educator.
Kim Bearden - Where do I even begin with Kim? I met Kim three years ago, and had kept in little contact with her since. We'd run into each other a few times face to face over the last three years, but for whatever reason really chatted it up on social media a lot this year. I read her book "Crash Course" this summer, fell in love with it, and bought a copy for every staff member on my campus. We then read it together and discussed it over the next 4 months, and to blow everyone's mind, Kim made a surprise appearance at our school as we celebrated "Crash Course Day". Who does that? Like who else is that AMAZING? She did not have to do that by any mean, but that's just how incredible she is. Kim is also one of those people where every moment you're with her you feel like the most important person in the world. My wife loved her so much too, that after meeting her, she had to read the book! Kim inspires me on a daily basis and is one of the most positive and uplifting people I know.
Adam Welcome - And then there's Adam. My brother from another mother. Adam and I formed a friendship through social media in early 2015, and never did either of us think we'd be the friends that we are now. After meeting face to face at NAESP in Long Beach this summer, we hit it off immediately. Adam is one of those rare people that I couldn't be more different than, yet at the same time we couldn't be more alike. Not only has Adam pushed my writing to be better, but Adam has continually (on a daily basis sometimes) pushed me outside my comfort zones. He brings up what others may be too afraid to. He is always asking the question, "Why not?". He makes every decision on "is that what's best for kids?". He doesn't take excuses. And even more, Adam is the guy who helped us start #KidsDeserveIt together. From an idea, to a twitter/facebook account, to thousands of followers, a blog, and a book deal. What??? Our families finally got to meet just a few weeks ago, and it was amazing. It's one of those rare friendships where every single thing falls perfectly into place and you feel like you've known them your whole life. You feel like they're family. From facetime with his kids, to daily voxer conversations, I can't even express how thankful I am to have come across someone like Adam, my BFAM.
I could write about so many others too: Hope King, Erin Klein, Drew Minock, Angela Maiers, Carl Hooker, Dwight Goodwin, Colby Sharp, Chris Kesler, Todd Whitaker, George Couros, Jed Dearybury, Wendy Sanders, Andrea Keller, Mindi Vandagriff, Amy Pratt, Jake Duncan, Jennie Magiera, and sooooooo many more who've impacted. Please don't look down on me for not mentioning you!
Accomplishments/Failures
2015 was always full of some awesome Highs and Lows.
- Being awarded the 2015 BAMMY for Elementary Principal of the Year, where I still ask "REALLY??"
- Starting Kids Deserve It
- Signing a book deal with Dave Burgess Publishing with Adam Welcome for the Kids Deserve It book coming out in 2016!
- Traveling across the country to speak!
- Starting PeriScopeOut
- Wondering if I was cut out for what I was doing...having Doubt.
- Our Reading Initiative that took off like fire!
- Finding out we didn't achieve the growth we'd hoped for as a campus.
- Signing a deal to be represented by Premiere Speakers Bureau
- Starting the #EduLS
- Ending EduAllStars, but starting the Kids Deserve It Blab Show.
- Being asked to switch campuses and start a whole new adventure!
- Being named by the Navasota Community as their "Favorite Principal".
- Having our First EVER, Teach Like A Pirate Day
- Writing my "I Wish You Knew..." Series
- and gosh, so much more!
In the end when I reflect on 2015, I think of the lessons I learned. The times I laughed uncontrollably, the times I cried in my car driving home. I think about the opportunities I've taken advantage of and the ones I've allowed to pass me by.
But mostly I look at it as another year of growth. Another year that I grew into the man I'm trying to become. The man I know God wants me to be.
I know that there'll be more to celebrate in 2016. But I know that there is much to be thankful for this past year. 2016 won't be easy, no year ever is.
But I believe you become like those you spend the most time with, and I myself choose to surround myself with those who will help me grow more.
So, here's to another amazing year!
image from stlmag.com
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