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A Tech Teacher on a Mission

Balancing Imbalance

10/2/2013

6 Comments

 
Oh, man.  September is over.  Queue the music.  Breathe.  ... Right?

This first month of school has brought with it many adjustments in my world.  I'm at a new school, teaching a new grade, working with a new staff on technology goals, and getting used to the workload involved with two graduate courses. Needless to say, September has been a bit of a whirlwind.  Mix those together with all of the things I was already doing and that is a recipe for an imbalanced disaster.  A month later, I'm just starting to finally feel like I'm on top of these new demands.  My absence from blogging has been due to my attempts to normalize my new realities.  Something had to go on the back burner for the month.  But now, I'm in control.... for the moment.
PictureBalance? What's that?
People often ask me, "How do you have time for all of that extra stuff?" These questions always spin me into a state of reflection.  Of course, I've asked myself the same thing.  How do I have time?  Is my life in a perpetual state of imbalance?  Am I happy even though I work practically every waking moment of the day? Is burnout inevitable? 

If you've ever been in a similar situation, you'll relate that reflecting on this is extremely difficult.  When you're so entrenched in the status quo, it's hard to see how far you can bend before you break.  While connecting to new people and ideas is important, it's also important to take a step back to understand what you're capable of and why it matters to you.  That's what fuels my passion -- the "why" I do it, not the "how".

So here's why it all matters to me:
  1. I absolutely adore my students and want to deliver the best educational experience they can possibly have.
  2. I love learning.  I love finding out new information.  Between my PLN and the MET Graduate program, I am consistently forced outside my comfort zone, and that's a good thing.
  3. Growth is essential in our profession.  If you don't set out to improve yourself, no one is going to do it for you.
  4. I am passionate about meaningful technology integration in the classroom.  It needs to be relevant for the future, not the present, and certainly not the past. 
  5. Throughout this journey, I've made incredible connections who have given me consistently overwhelming support every step of the way. I want to pay it forward and inspire others to connect.

 With those things in mind, I can confidently say that I'm very happy with my life and the time that I dedicate to my work and studies.  Should I be making more time for other things?  Sure.  I'd argue that most educators could use a little more balance.  But just as September did, this, too, shall pass.

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6 Comments
Steve Clark
10/2/2013 01:09:34 pm

Wow! Great reflection Victoria. I totally relate. I've been in a similar position with a wife and three kids added into the mix. I've struggled to keep up. My online life has taken the back burner to try and balance things a little. I too feel a little more on top of things after a month. Bring on October!

Reply
Victoria Olson link
10/2/2013 02:29:28 pm

Thanks for commenting, Steve! Sometimes we just have to take a step back and remember why we do the things we do. It helps to put into perspective the things that matter the most!

Reply
James Petersen link
10/3/2013 08:24:05 am

It's such a relief to know that I'm not the only one who feels this way. With all the stuff I do for the classroom, the stuff I do for myself and my colleagues, and the tiny bit of time I spend trying to relax, I can identify with your thoughts!

I think that our passion for learning is a big part of the drive to always be innovating. As long as I feel that passion, I don't believe that I'll burn out. I'm not doing all this because I have to, it's because I want to.

And to confess, there are times where I just skip over some of the great ideas I've come across. I think it's better to do some things well than to do everything poorly.

Keep up the great work, and don't forget to enjoy it!

Reply
Victoria Olson link
10/3/2013 11:04:32 am

James, thanks for taking the time to comment! I LOVE what you say about doing some things well rather than doing everything poorly. I've started to say "no" to some opportunities and curiosities as it would impact my attention on other things that matter. Rome wasn't built in a day!

Reply
Sean Beaton link
10/3/2013 10:02:06 am

Victoria,

I think you have encapsulated the feelings of so many of us in September! What a crazy month. Much of what you wrote resonates with me but two things stick out the most. First: "I love learning. I love finding out new information. Between my PLN and the MET Graduate program, I am consistently forced outside my comfort zone, and that's a good thing." I could not agree more! I have always been an edugeek. I love to learn about new ways to approach teaching and learning (see my latest thoughts: http://wp.me/p3e25A-D). Unfortunately, some of my colleagues tease me about how much time and energy I focus on learning, which distresses me a bit.

The second thing that sticks with me is: "Growth is essential in our profession. If you don't set out to improve yourself, no one is going to do it for you." This is going to be my response to those who would poke fun of me reading articles or blogs (such as yours) or hanging out on Twitter.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I hope the next month goes smoothly for you.

All the best,
Sean Beaton

Reply
Victoria Olson link
10/3/2013 11:11:50 am

Sean, thanks for your comment. I know that sometimes it is difficult for others to understand the power and passion behind being a connected educator. Hang in there and keep on truckin'. It will be worth it when people start to recognize the amazing things that you're doing and follow suit. :)

Reply



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    Victoria Olson
    A curious and passionate educator in Langley, BC

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