Thursday: Welcome Reception
I have never been to Washington D.C.
Ok. I HAVE been to Washington D.C. but I was 4 or 5 and don't remember any of it.
When my plane landed and I got into my cab, we pulled out of the airport and the first thing I saw was the top of the Washington Monument. I thought to myself "I'm really here!"
As we continued down the highway towards the hotel, I caught a glimpse of the capital dome rising up over some trees. I actually teared up a little. I can't believe that I'm here and doing this amazing thing. Soon, I will be doing even more amazing travel and it just seems so incredible to me. I honestly never believed that I would be doing something so adventurous. This Teachers for Global Classrooms program fellowship is a life changer - and I haven't even made it overseas yet!
This evening there was a small reception for all the teachers who are part of this amazing program. It was really neat to meet people that I had only conversed with online through the Global Education class that we took as part of this grant. I met and talked to teachers and administrators from all over the country, all of whom were as excited as I was to be here. I got the chance to meet up with my partner for Moscow and Ykaterinburg, Cindy. We were both were excitedly sharing the books that we had been reading about Russia and Russian topics, the newspaper articles that we had seen, and how we should approach some of the controversial topics centering around Russia right now. There is so much that we as Americans take for granted.
As I reflect on the fact that I've made it this far through the fellowship, and that I will be travelling to Russia in just a few short weeks, I can't help but wonder how much more I will grow and change through this process.
I've already gained a greater understanding of globalized education through the coursework that we completed earlier in the year. That same coursework revitalized me and gave me an incredible boost in confidence and inventiveness that I felt that I had lost through the turmoil of changing to the new Common Core State Standards.
Not only am I here in Washington D.C., which is amazing in and of itself, but this is my first real experience travelling on my own! Up until today, I had worried about how I would manage Russia on my own without my dear husband or family with me. I'm not so worried anymore. I have a shot of courage that I didn't know I could have.
Tomorrow brings the whole day conference and I am so ready to learn.
This blog is going to be a fantastic tool during my travels, first here in Washington D.C., next in Russia, and then where ever else I might travel. I hope that you feel a little of my excitement too.