Brianna is a longtime robotics enthusiast, participating in FIRST Robotics for years. She also enjoys music, playing Clarinet and Saxophone. In her free time, she plays video games and enjoys making videos. She is currently studying Robotics Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic institute, and interning with New England FIRST. She hopes to share her experiences being neurodivergent while trying to thrive in a world designed for those who are neurotypical, and share how others can help.

In this episode Emma shares her experience being the tech support for professors who had to switch to an online platform, but how it became so much more.  She partnered with professors to add something from the student's perspective, they worked to develop an strong online curriculum together.  It was so inspiring to hear the courage and vulnerability the teachers took in working with a student.  I hope more institutions embrace such a practice.

Emma Trumble is a John Stark graduate and a student at Bishop’s University in Quebec in their “Sports Studies” program. Outside of classes she works for her university’s OLTC program. In this role she helps professors reimagine 21st century liberal education using technology. A fun fact about her is that she is a competitive jump roper!"

Addy has been writing a local newsletter for almost a year and in doing so she caught my eye.  She is the same age as my son (13), and her ability to find a path to use her voice during a time when many students were lost as icons on a screen.

Desiree Alam is a Lebanese fourth year medical student. She lives in Baskinta, a village in Mount Lebanon with her family.  I met Desiree when she came to our small New Hampshire school. She was a wonderful addition to our community, and as you can hear from her interview she gained a lot from her experience. 

My dear friend Christian shares his experience and advice about how to engage a student like him, who struggles with the mundane.  We often miss the wonderful qualities of students who act up in class, because we are so focused on getting them to focus.  I love his story, and to be honest with you, I almost missed his leadership skills.  He was a dull stone that needed some polishing, and I am so grateful we worked together to find his shine!  I do hope he pursues the direction of education, what a great role model for young students like him!

Caroline is a brave, confident student who continually steps outside of her comfort zone.  I was lucky to have her share some of her experiences, and advice.  I learned so much from my time with Carol, I hope you will be lucky enough to learn from her too!

Evan has found leadership opportunities in groups that many of us often overlook: best buddies, life skills, and unified sports.  He shares how being connected with those students has given him a lot of growth as a leader.

He also shares with us how video games also develops leadership skills.

To be a leader one must embody many characteristics, we must always be learning to develop into great leaders.  In this episode we hear how a teacher impacted Brinkley's growth as a person, into the amazing woman she is today.  A senior at Harvard University Brinkley Brown shares some solid advice to educators everywhere!  

Kela wonders why I remember her, and I wonder how she is doing?

It surprises me that students don't realize how much of an impact they have on us, as teachers.  It also surprises me how much impact we really do have on students.  It isn't always a positive impact, and Kela's story reminds me to be aware of the words I say, the actions I do, and the willingness to understand the challenges of the students I encounter everyday!

Knowing what is happening with them can change everything!