Leaders of Today: From Teens to Titans

The road less traveled - how a student changed the course of her own learning.

I cannot tell you how impressed I am with this wonderful woman.  She has already taken a path that many have not taken, and through that journey she has really discovered herself. A chance post on Linked in has allowed me to capture her thoughts, and share them with you! 

You never know who is looking and listening - please share and connect me to a student who has a story to tell!

Find Oliva here https://www.blacklifeblueworld.com/

This confident student shares the experience of moving to another country under the notion of having a choice

When do you allow students to make their own choices in your classroom? Sadly we often forget that allowing students to choose is essential to their learning.

 

But we know best - we have seen countless students make the mistakes I am preventing you from making so that you can be successful.  We think we are doing the right thing, but if we step back and allow students to make the mistakes then they learn more than just the lesson of the content we are teaching, they learn how to learn from their mistakes.

 

As educators we don't want them to make mistakes, especially when we know they are going to make it, but making mistakes is part of the their education, so let's try not to prevent, and be ready to support when they fail.

 

Enjoy this episode with Gabby Harper, who reminded me the positive of letting students make their own choices and mistakes.

 

A former student shares how I and other educators can open doors for students to feel seen in the classroom.

Beck shares his journey from Megan to Beck - even how he chose his name.  There is so much to be learned from this conversation.  Peers learn how to handle when a friend tells you that they may not be what is seen as 'normal,' to the media.  Teachers learn how to validate and making some slight adjustments to be that safe place for students.  What a great story!  I am so lucky to have known Beck and had a relationship with him to allow him to open up here for you.

@Beckscottborwn IG and Facebook

Find him and connect to an ally!

Building Curiosity

After meeting Alex, I knew he was well beyond his years.  I enjoyed every conversation I had with Alex this past year.  He is a leader without needing a title, and I am grateful to have had an opportunity to get to know him, and capture his ideas about homework and developing student curiosity.

 

 

Connection and Confidence

In the first episode of Season 2 we meet Yawa, an African refugee, who has made it on her own in America.  She came as a five year old, and now spends time with youth in New Hampshire, who are like her.  There is so much that you will learn from her, whether you are an educator, a student, or an listener following me for other reasons.  I enjoyed my conversation with Yawa so much.

 

You can follow her on linked in @Yawa Asante or instagram Minimal African.

 

 

Season 2 Trailer

Find out what will be shared in the upcoming season of Unimagined!

Launching Aug 3, 2022

Learning to be a strong female leader

In this interview we speak with Jada Combs who began high school during COVID. Some of her hobbies include cheerleading, reading, baking, and listening to music.  She is currently a sophomore an all star cheerleader and recently joined the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA).

How does school environment impact leadership?

Mitchell is currently in 8th grade who loves science.  He is involved in Boy Scouts and the local swim and dive team.  From our interview you may hear his interests, which include gaming and arts, spending time with friends and family.

An exceptional Academic student shares about a term called Double Exceptionality

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.

Letting students guide our work

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!"