Unexpected

"Life's most urgent question is, what are you doing for others?" - Martin Luther King, Jr.

It's interesting that in the same day,  two men can completely change my view of them. I think in an election year especially, it is easy to put people in boxes of "us" and "them" suggesting, generally speaking, who's camp you're in and who's camp you oppose. Generalizations, more than ever, become the name of the game. Especially on Super Tuesday.

So, it's interesting that in the same day - today - that two men completely switched camps. Or in the least, temporarily, reminded me that people don't fit into boxes. We're all far to complicated for that. Their names and words are unimportant to my point today, but will surely be included in my future musings. For now, it's all about the surprise.

One man, who had been incredibly reputable in my book and has gained my respect gradually over three years in Tulsa, promptly lost it this morning. The other man, who has been the bane of my Okie existence since 2009, gained some of my respect this evening. Each man, separately, only used a few surprising words about different topics in the realm of children's rights.

Surprise is the understatement of the day. Anger, sadness, and shock start to describe my reaction to one man this morning. Inspiration is the positive emotion resulting from the other man this evening. And very truly, I always expected it to be the other way around.

It's interesting that today, the same day that Oklahomans are participating in Super Tuesday and fueling the fire between men in a national political race, two local men unknowingly competed for my metaphorical vote. And only one won - the one who, if you had asked me yesterday, wasn't even close in the polls.

Now the first may not be in elected office any time soon, and the second didn't win my vote for his re-election with his words. But both surprised me, unexpectedly, for better or for worse today, and they lost or won my vote of respect.

I often believe the best in people and assume they are all well-intentioned. I trust easily and hope for the best in humanity on most occasions. But that's only my surface value. The aggregate of a person's actions, demeanor, and words build my impression of them over time. My first impressions of both of these men are opposite of what I saw today - and that goes to show that first impressions may last, but they are malleable. Kind of like our brains, our muscles, our hearts. It also shows that people are dynamic and multi-dimensional, showing sides of themselves sometimes and sometimes not.

And it goes to show that even that the good and the bad reside in unexpected places, that proceeding with caution, staying principled, and doing for others are key elements of making decisions, investing in others, and voting both literally and figuratively. At least in my view. Too bad there isn't a ballot for some of these things, but at least I know what to keep doing: paying attention. Listening. Seeking truth. Today, super or not, and every day. No matter the unexpected.

~MJ

An Apple Reflection

My first Apple product was a lime green iPod Mini.

My mom, her co-workers, her boyfriend, my best friend, and I, had spent the better part of two or three days listening to the radio in Denver and waiting for the contest to win the Mini. You had to be the 25th caller or something along those lines - and so, we decided we'd make up the largest possible percentage of those callers: the law of averages, if you will.

Then it happened. One of us - I don't remember who - was the lucky caller and won my mom the iPod Mini. Now, she didn't want the little digital music player because it was cool or trendy - she wanted it because it came fully loaded with Volumes 1-14 of Studio C Acoustic recordings from her favorite artists. KBCO 97.3 knew just how to get my mom excited. And, because all she wanted was the music - I ended up with the Mini, inscribed on the back with "Studio C Pod."

The amazing thing? It contained 14 volumes of music in a device the size of a small wallet. And I still  had room for more.

The advent of the iPod revolutionized the way I listen to music. When I dropped the Mini one-too-many times by 2006, my mom and I strolled to Ultimate Electronics and bought an 80GB Classic iPod. I wanted black but they only had white stocked. For some reason, Captain Jack Sparrow was on the box. I also purchased an iSkin, which I think was the OtterBox before the OtterBox.

In 2008 we purchased my first MacBook Pro, again revolutionizing how I compute. In 2010, I treated myself to the purchase of an iPad a couple weeks after it was released. You could say this is when I really didn't look back - later in 2010, I got an iPhone 4. And upgraded my MacBook Pro to a newer model in April of this past year. The Apple Store here in Tulsa is like heaven in some ways. The best part is the classic iPod is still kicking with 75GB of music. It has legitimately been at my side, in my car, or within reach for about five years.

I know it. My family knows it. My students knew it. I am an Apple fan. Understatement.

Yesterday, Apple announced the iPhone 4S; I watched the entirety of the Press Conference this morning and tweeted "I am consistently blown away by Apple." I often tweet about the beauty of my Apple products and to say I'm blown away by them is also an understatement.

Steve Jobs died today.

His products changed my world in a lot of ways. His inventions changed the world. The only people Apple has to top when they come out with new products is themselves  - and they do it every year. I could go into why, but Apple users will know this. And non-Apple users will stick it to the man as long as possible until finally -- just wait -- they give into the sleek, the shiny, the fast, the powerful. Apple has cornered the market in so many ways.

And it's because of one man's imagination, drive, relentlessness. Jobs saw possibilities and he didn't let boundaries limit him. As such, I can carry my music, my calendar, my phone, my note-taker, my camera and millions of other things, in my pocket. I don't even need a whole purse.

Apple stands on its own, but would be nothing without Jobs. Heck - the presser yesterday had five guys do what he did in those conferences. He left some big shoes to fill.

Two last things:

The decision to buy an iPad was purely luxury. It was hype. It was vanity. I admit it. My roomie and I went to the Apple store and I dove right in without regrets. Similarly, at the same time, my friend Tam in Connecticut, whom I taught with in New York, also bought her iPad. We literally purchased our tablets within minutes of each other in different parts of the country, without any planning beforehand. And immediately after, tweeted and texted at each other.

Thus, we have iPad twins. Just another fun part of my life that exists because of Apple. I name my Apple products - as any good person would. Tam and I pondered this together as our products were obviously twins. We decided on Jaylynn and Jayden. And to truly ensure that they were known as twins, they had to have the same last name. And that name was Jobs. Jayden Jobs. A minimal part of Steve Jobs' legacy, but it's true.

The other thing is: Steve Jobs died after a long battle with cancer. My mom, who brought me so much more than Apple products while also supporting my iPod fantasies, also lost that battle two years ago. Cancer is a viscous, horrible disease. Like Steve Jobs, my mom fought it like a true champion - even when her spirits were down, she kept pushing through. In both cases, cancer won. It just goes to show that nobody - a genius, wealthy inventor or a humble, working class single mom - can escape the grips of a terrible disease, can lose an epic battle, can fight inevitability.

What it also shows is that we are all capable, no matter what the universe has in store for us, of leaving the world with something better than when we arrived. Steve Jobs left revolutionary technology and an inspring, no-holds-barred legacy. My mom left her wisdom, her strength, her passion, and selfless spirit.

She also happened to always remind me that it's ok, every once in awhile, to spoil yourself and that doing even better when you have the best of the best around you. And this is where the legacies of Steve Jobs and Paula O'Malley collide - in the forms of touch screens and tablets, clouds and state-of-the-art operating systems.


First-world luxuries, yes. Whole-world changing technology, yes. The idea that one person can change lives - whether it be through raising a daughter or selling a computer - that's power.


~MJ

My Apple Announcement

Maybe it's just me and angst stemming from various facets of my life at the moment.

I have some questions about today's Apple announcement:

1. Dear Apple, why hype iPhone 5 if it really wasn't there?
2. Dear Apple Consumers, do we really have a problem with iPhone 4S?

And some observations:

1. At least I know iPhone 5 won't come out until after my Apple Care warranty is up on my iPhone 4.
2. Despite the consternation and disappointment, I'm sure iPhone 4S sales will blow everyone out of the water - such is life in the world of brand loyalty and consumerist needs to have "the best." It is faster and more powerful than the last fastest and most powerful phone, after all. And it runs on Apple Operating Systems, not the silly Droid ones I keep hearing people complain about.
3. Yes, I am an Apple fan. Understatement. I think the hype is silly only because it's obvious that Apple has cornered technology markets and their press conferences, whether they are satisfying or disappointing, will probably not change the habits of people who already buy Apple. Whether their pressers draw more customers is a separate matter - but I don't think Apple has many problems in that department.

Bottom Line:

1. Yay iPhone update.
2. I love my iPhone, and you a) probably love yours, too or b) may finally see the light, or c) will principally avoid the whole matter  - and that's all ok.

And a soap box perspective:

The fact that any of this was hyped, and that anyone can even think of complaining that iPhone 4S came and not iPhone 5, just means we live in a very elite world. Remember: smart phones aren't about survival or sustenance, peace or safety - they are about luxury. I am just as guilty as the next Apple wonk/smart phone user when forgetting this, but it's days like these I wish more people's priorities were just a little different.

~MJ

Any contradictions in this post are purposeful and not meant to offend anyone. I'm literally just contributing my .2 and yes, I love all things Apple - call it a guilty pleasure.

Occupying my time.

Life without teaching leaves me so much extra free time. To make sure I'm still staying productive, I thought I would use this blog to brainstorm the kinds of activities and adventures I can cook up for my free time:

• Write at least one blog a week. This blogging thing has become kind of slow.
• Finish "A Game of Thrones" and "The Lacuna"
• Go to at least 2 OSU games
• Study for the GRE...eek.
• Decorate the new apartment
• Clean out closet / update wardrobe
• Get on a regular work-out schedule that includes
• At least 3 runs/week
• At least 3 YourShape sessions/week
• At least 1 gym class/week at the Y
• Learn a new recipe every week
• Go to the Tulsa State Fair and Oktoberfest
• Go to the Clinton Library while in Little Rock
• Take a random Oklahoma road trip
• Get those dang tonsils out...November 15, here I come!
• Stock jello and other soft foods
• Prepare DVDs
• Finish grad school applications

I'm sure there is more I can think of. A busy MJ is a happy one!

~MJ

joys and other observations.

1. I love my students.
2. I miss them dearly.
3. I saw a handful of them today...on their new campus and at one of their churches.
4. There were many hugs, all of which MADE. MY. DAY.
5. I love the Tulsa community I am a part of and appreciate all that they have given me.
6. I really enjoy my job.
7. The new job is a new stress, but it is so worthwhile.
8. And not nearly the stress of teaching.
9. I love that I can still see my students and can help them with their homework.
10. I also love meeting new students who blow me away and prove that all children can be successful.
11. I know some days ahead will not be easy, but I know I am equipped to handle whatever comes my way.
12. "If He brings you to it, He'll bring you through it."

#truth

~MJ

PS:

"Ms. O'Malley! We miss you!"
"I'm in the Honors class again!"


"Hi. I saw you at my school today."
"I liked visiting there. What grade are you in?"
"I'm in third grade."
"Wow. You were doing good work today! What is your name?"
[reaches hand out] "I'm 'J'."
"It's nice to meet you, J. I'm Mary Jean."
"Nice to meet you, too."


#greatday

A Decade Later: Reflection

Yesterday was the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. 10 YEARS since the planes hit the towers, crashed into the Pentagon, and changed how we perceive the world.

I was 14. Just starting high school. I remember watching the news that morning before leaving to meet a friend for school, and being disappointed that Ed McCaffery, my favorite Denver Bronco, would be out for the season on a broken leg. In the eerie silence that guided my bike ride to my friend's house, the only bad news I knew that morning was about our beloved wide receiver. In the 10-15 minutes it took to ride from my house to my classmate's, two planes hijacked by terrorists made my bad news look even more petty than it probably already was.

We didn't know the word terrorism when my friends told me the news as I reached the doorstep. We sat in awe in their living room - unsure that the "coincidence" of two planes crashing into two buildings in NYC was even possible. I still remember that morning so vividly and wish the innocence of our first reaction could have maintained its purity.

At school, everyone was buzzing about the events - not everyone understood the extent of what was happening, but the fact that everyone was talking about it alerted me that this was so much bigger than I had thought on  the way to school. Throughout the day and that evening, watching news coverage and talking with people, the enormity of this event overwhelmed me. It became horribly real and even more unsettling as I watched scenes that normally are in movies: people jumping out of burning buildings and running from a wave of rubble overtaking a city.

The next weeks included a bombardment of information at all levels - connections to the events by close friends and teachers, non-stop news coverage and commentary, and the attempt of some of my classmates and I to raise money for disaster relief.

10 YEARS LATER - the impact of this still haunts me. The images still hit me as deep as they did in 2001. They still shock me and overwhelm and confuse me. They are so real that it can't be real. And life is still chunked up into "before" and "after" 9/11.

This event shaped the politics of the last decade, and as I grew in my political awareness, shaped my perspectives. We went from feeling of unity in the face of adversity to the feeling of disillusionment in the face of even deeper adversity. My opinion, informed by a decade of experience in the post-9/11 world, is that 9/11 irrevocably changed not only how we perceive the world, but how we act within it. Sometimes not for the better.

We went into two wars early on in the decade. Two wars I have adamantly opposed. While I can reject the premises of both wars, I can't deny the fact that we are a part of two fronts, that we have been for the better part of a decade. I also can't deny the human aspect of this all - it is a large part of my rationale for opposing the wars, but the reality of human involvement makes this all the more complicated for me. I whole-heartedly support the service men and women across the country and the families they leave behind when they go overseas - regardless of my opinion of the war. I am saddened that so many people have to continually be affected by the wars, and wish it didn't have to extend the death and tragedy of 9/11/01 even further.

I have always felt that way. And now, 10 years later, one of my dearest friends is going into the fray. He is being deployed in a matter of weeks, to the war zone I least agree with, to serve our country. I support him 100 percent, but I still worry about the premise of his mission and the danger it brings to him. I wish, more than anything, he didn't have a war to be deployed to, that we found other ways to solve problems instead of putting people in the middle of battle. I have felt this way all along, but this is the first time in a decade when I am so close to the actual issue - when someone I love is a direct player. Talk about real.

It all makes me wonder: what have we learned in a decade? What did the tragedy of 9/11 teach us? Are we a nation of retaliation, and are we ok with even more death in the name of justice? Are justice and revenge the same thing?

Some say it's easy to be an outsider and to oppose the war. I am not in uniform and I don't plan to be anytime soon. I agree that my outside status doesn't always yield the best information, and that I can only own my own opinions, but I still oppose the war. I don't think only outsiders do, either. I just think that especially when we have loved ones on the front lines, our opinions may shift but we believe that it shouldn't have to be this way. Maybe not all of us. But, I do believe we can do better, that we can convey strength and independence without sending anyone into harm's way.

And I wish we had learned this lesson as a nation in  the decade since 9/11/01. That  by now, we at least would be off the front lines. We are pulling out of one war zone at the end of this year, but does that mean the war is really over? How long will we feel the affects of it?

I wish some things about the past decade had been different. You probably know what. And maybe you wished some other things went differently. We are all entitled to our own opinions.

My biggest wish is for the safety of our citizens - the human beings tasked with playing out our country's decisions. I also wish more peace and security for our world over the next decade - I think it's about time we found some.

~MJ

Ok, Universe. I get it.

For as long as I can remember, I have dealt with some form of a throat infection - doctors tested for strep, mono, and more often than not, came back with a nameless diagnosis that requires a regimen of antibiotics, anti-swelling meds, and some pain relievers. After a particularly difficult bout with illness over Memorial Day weekend this year, I decided it was time to admit this is ridiculous enough to see an ear, nose, and throat doctor in June. Although it's been suggested by myself or my family for as long as I can remember, a doctor finally backed up the thought that my tonsils should be removed. We double checked that feeling in August and confirmed it. In fact, my doctor was confused as to how my throat didn't hurt when we had our last appointment - my tonsils were still swollen and marked by the tell-tale signs of infection. Yet, I felt fine...

So, now the ball is in my court - I just need to schedule the appointment.

It is surgery. And it's far from home. And a myriad of other excuses have seeped into my mind over the last few weeks. I actually convinced myself the other day I could wait until March. Maybe. And I guess that thought was blasphemous enough for my incredibly, abnormally large tonsils. Thus, I started this week with a small throat irritation on the right side of my throat.

Oh, silly right tonsil. I will defeat you with continuous fluids, Emergen-c, and many, many clementines.


The pain went to my left tonsil, a notorious part of my body, by Tuesday morning.

Oh no you didn't - I can still defeat you with even more fluids, clementines AND gargling with salt water.

Then this morning seemed to show no difference. And my sinuses are stuffy, in addition to the pain in my throat. I think this is the universe's way of telling me, Yes, you really do need your tonsils out.  Unless you want to do this every few months for the rest of your life.

Now, I probably would get a break every few years, but the infections will probably get worse when they happen. And the older I get, the harder that tonsillectomy will be - although it is already a worse idea for me than it might have been 10 years ago.

Ok, Universe. I get it. I will schedule that appointment to remove these tonsils. Just take away the pain now...and help the pain of recovery to not be as bad as I am imagining it.

~MJ

Life is made of these.

Epic weekends. Mini-vacations. Moments when "why not?" is the first question.

Friday afternoon began the first weekend as a professional where I could just absolutely relax. A movie Friday evening, sleeping in Saturday morning. I helped a friend in her classroom Saturday morning, but followed that with a nap and impromptu trip to "The City" (Okie code word for Oklahoma City) where I proceeded to spoil myself and be spoiled. Saturday night included shopping, dinner, a movie, ("Crazy, Stupid Love" - highly recommend), and checking in at a nice hotel. After sleeping in Sunday, I enjoyed free breakfast, relaxing until check out, and then...more shopping. I admit: I bought a shirt and a pair of shoes I didn't need, but I did manage to get great deals on power-suits that I did "need" for work:-) This was followed by TV and XBOX shopping...which ended up narrowing my choices down and bringing more of my business to Amazon.com. The good news? My new entertainment vehicles arrive on Wednesday. And, when all is said and done, I still saved a chunk of change on the whole experience today:-)

I got home to Tulsa, ironed and stocked my closet, showered, and read. The biggest chore this evening was laundry - and really, who doesn't LOVE the smell of clean clothes?

I miss my kids enormously. And know that I have a lot of work to do this year and I am so thankful for that. But, I'm also happy to finding that balance between work and life. And also finding time to just do things for me. I know I won't have these weekends always (and if I did, they probably would lose their epic value), but it was so refreshing. And I'm grateful to have had it.

Reminds me of that song lyric..."Sweet dreams are made of these...who am I to disagree?"

~MJ

The Missing Year...Found

It took me half of 2011 to find purpose in 2010.

You may (or may not) have noticed that I didn't do my traditional Year in Review blog for 2010. It was a pretty good year - I completed my first year of teaching, had the summer of a lifetime, and began my second (and arguably better, in most regards) year of teaching. There were some men in the subtext, but no one wholly inspiring.

And this amalgam didn't inspire a blog come the end of December.

But, I think that my life, since beginning TFA, has been all about fate. I was placed in Tulsa just as my mom elected to do treatment there; I started a new chapter in my life with a really interesting start, and 2010 brought with it a roller coaster of life and work and more life. Nothing awe-inspiring or symbolic, but what I had to get through to get here. I grew closer with my kids, discovered new wounds in America's educational system, and felt my head banging against the wall of injustice...over and over again.

But it was those experiences that led me to this summer. To Denver. To the Senator's office. To knowing that change must happen, that I am a change agent, and I am in good company. That we need to raise an army and, for the kids in Tulsa, for the kids around the country, we need to do things better. Not only is this knowledge all the more present, but I'm building a skill set to address the issues, and a support network of incredible leaders.

Beyond that, all of my social interactions have led me to a place where I recognize the power of positivity, I know who my friends are, and I believe so greatly in the significance of all types of relationships. If it hadn't been for the crazy college-esque summer of 2010 followed by the enigmatic social life of the fall, I may not have chosen relationships the way I do in 2011. I may still cling to things that are worth losing, or not have learned to build up my resiliency again.

It's kind of this notion that "everything happens for a reason."

And 2010, in all of its nothingness, contained so many of the seeds that have sown me into this moment. I had a one on one sit down with a state senator today, talking about what I want to do and why. This was followed by an incredible soul food lunch and my decision to register for the GRE. Then, I enjoyed good company on a downtown rooftop for happy hour. Then, before sitting down to dinner with my family, I'm invited to a future dinner with a former governor. And I have great friends I can talk about all of this with - and all of whom have great, blossoming narratives themselves.

So it took a long time for the words to form. To acknowledge what 2010 meant. But that's kind of the other side of "everything happens for a reason." We see the reasons as they happen, but it's only time that actually reveals the truth behind the reasons. And leads us in directions that we least expect, but need the most.

Cheers to finding, even belatedly, purpose. Here's to acknowledging it, embracing it, and knowing that because of it, it will all be ok.

~MJ

Absurdity

By now I should have had at least three blog posts about my time in Denver. ok, three is an arbitrary number - but, it is absolutely absurd what a failure I have been in documenting my time in Denver this summer.

So, here I am. Home. It's weird to define it as that since I have no permanent address here, but walking down the streets of downtown, turning familiar corners in Westminster, and taking the long way to DU have definitely affirmed this is home. I love this city. This state. It is extraordinarily gorgeous - the views, the climate, the people. The public art around town is quirky and fun (from cows, giant blue wild animals, and abstract shapes and faces...) and it's been nice to be reacquainted with Denver's character by looking at it.

By the way, I'm here as an intern. I'm serving as an Urban Leaders Fellow through the Office of Senator Mike Johnston (a TFA alum who is a powerhouse - SB 191 has dramatically altered education in CO). I met him at a panel at the TFA Alumni Summit this past February; he ran the high school in my neighborhood and is now a state senator representing northeast Denver. As I've discussed with many friends and colleagues, he is one of the most impressive public leaders I've ever seen. He has a strong sense of urgency, is incredibly bright, and knows how to work hard and play nice. His success in the state legislature so far has been his ability to build strong coalitions on issues that matter. As a prospective public servant, he is exactly the kind of role model and mentor I'm looking for - I just hope the short fellowship is not the end of my work with him!

I have been part-time in his office tackling transportation policy for the state. I am on a team of three - each of us trying to gather information about three major transportation issues. The research has helped me to become better versed in mass transit in Colorado, as well as the challenges of urban sprawl, congestion, and economic development. Surprisingly, our team's may also lead to some exciting things for Colorado in the future.

The other half of my time is spent with Oakwood Homes' Foundation for Educational Excellence. The Foundation has been a major partner in a turnaround project in Denver's Stapleton, Montbello, and Green Valley Ranch neighborhoods. Not only is the work steeped in education reform, but broader community change. It's an exciting project where I'm learning a lot, although a six week fellowship is definitely not enough time to truly contribute to the work in the far northeast.

When not working, I've been playing tour guide to some of my colleagues who are from outside of Denver, enjoying an excursion to Mt. Evans and Pearl Street in Boulder. As a large group, we also hit up Red Rocks. I also had a friend visit from Tulsa - when we weren't partying downtown, we drove US 36 to Estes Park to enjoy the views. and All of these "explore CO" experiences have reaffirmed my appreciation for this state and all that it has to offer. I've also had the chance to catch up with old friends and have had so many conversations about ed reform, the achievement gap, graduate school, and other aspects of social change and the future.

I'm learning so much and should spend more time writing about it. I have three short weeks left in Denver (and actually, will be headed out for five days next week to attend a conference in Chicago for my new job).

Here's hoping I start to write a little more and reflect on this tremendous experience. For now, I'm going to get back to reading my book and turn in for the night. Early meetings tomorrow and maybe even some time to write!

~MJ

Other Blogs

I've started two new blogs recently...probably my attempt to spark some creativity by changing the scenery. I will still use this blog to document my adventures, but thought I'd save the TFA reflections for "T-Town" and the writing outlet for my reading hobby for "Taking Stock."

We'll see how it goes.

~MJ

Two Years Down

I didn't realize how much busier my second year of teaching could have been compared to the first. But, wooo --- eee! I feel like I finally have the stamina to sit down and write a blog about it, after one week of being on summer vacation.

The last month of school was a whirlwind. My 6th and 7th graders raced through The Hunger Games and my 8th graders The Alchemist. Somehow, we tackled these texts amidst surprise assemblies, end-of-year field trips, and the general "what? but we already took state tests" feeling.

Then, Memorial Day weekend happened. At first, not so unusual - we had 8th grade promotion on Friday and prom that evening. I also met friends for a late happy hour. Saturday, I was really tired even though I got 8+ hours of sleep (oh, that sounds so nice), and Sunday, I had a sore throat. That became strep. It really knocked me off my feet for a few days. It took two ER trips, lots of Ibuprofen, and 10 days of antibiotics to get on the mend. I missed school the Tuesday and Wednesday following Memorial Day; Thursday was the last day of school. It came way too quickly! I was feeling mostly better and went in to say goodbye to my kids. My 6th graders and I got excited about summer reading and my 7th graders helped me pack. Then, it was over!

My school is becoming a PK-6 elementary school next year while our 7th and 8th grade population moves to the high school, which becomes a junior high (7-12). There was no word until this week where displaced teachers (like me!) would be for next year. Even though we gave the district a list of preferences, there was also no guarantee we'd go where we want to. Translation: would my 3rd year of teaching be with my kids? Maybe. Maybe not.

Regardless, I had to empty my room. It took all of that Friday to finish, including moving all of the teacher supplies that are not owned by the school into a personal storage unit. In 100 degree Tulsa weather, this felt like when I moved into my apartment in August (a typically warmer Tulsa month) of 2009.

I then used the weekend to wrap up the last work for TFA, have my last meeting with my program director, and prepare for a job interview. The job relates to a charter school opening in Tulsa in 2012 and helping to manage its opening. Knowing TPS, I didn't want to put all of my eggs in the teaching basket.

However, I did get offered a 7th grade Language Arts position at a junior high that is in a different part of town. It came as a surprise since it wasn't on my preferences, but the principal called me twice and said that I came highly recommended. I'm very excited about this opportunity!

Needless to say, I was running around on Monday and Tuesday excited about this and the other interview. I took Wednesday and Thursday to just relax and not worry about anything -- and today, I am going to get some housework done. I also have a doctor's appointment because, as luck would have it, some of the bad throat symptoms are returning:-(

Sigh.

At some point, I will blog reflecting on the whole of the TFA experience. Sometime soon, because I have a policy fellowship with a TFA Alum/State Senator in Colorado in JULY...woot!

oh, summer.

~MJ

The Change Generation

Clinton Global Initiative University is always an amazing experience for me. Since I went in 2008, I have continually been inspired not only by the conference itself, but with the knowledge that there are literally thousands of young people making a difference every day around the world.

This was my 4th CGI U in as many years; I have been there since the first meeting and I hope that I can continue to go. Each year, although I know the basics of what will happen, I walk away feeling rejuvenated, reaffirmed in my beliefs and passions, and knowledgeable in so many new ways. This year, I served as a commitment mentor for a group of amazing students working on projects that focus on campus sustainability. Based on my experience with DU's sustainability movement, I was really excited to learn from other students what's going on in their neck of the woods and share what I've learned. I met two groups of students working on bike sharing (woot!) on opposite coasts. I also met students who are working on reducing paper waste, water usage, and energy use on their campuses. I also met leaders looking to galvanize the power of the numbers on their campus to move state and national policy. And these are just some of the ideas that I learned about in my area as a mentor.

At the conference, I also served as a summary writer in the education sessions. I took notes during the two workshops and made two-page summaries that moved on to President Clinton's senior staff as a brief on what happened. The morning session was about rebuilding education in post-disaster contexts (i.e., Haiti's earthquake, Pakistan's flood, tsunamis in Asia, and Hurricane Katrina). The second session was a conversation about building positive pathways for disadvantaged students.

I had three major realizations this year between my work, the sessions, and conversations and personal reflections:

1. We can always learn something.

President Clinton has been an inspiration to me since I was five. I used to think it was about his charisma and his politics. As I have observed him over the past few years, though, I realize I really admire his power. It's not just that he can gt things done, and that he is passionate about change, it's that he is knowledgeable about everything he does (which is, everything). Knowledge is truly power, and President Clinton harnesses his mind and his skills for the better every day. He can speak at length about every topic that came up over the weekend, from physics to college affordability, disaster relief to education reform. His ambition is met with a thirst for more knowledge, and he absorbs information as easily as a sponge. The first plenary was over my head -- it was all about science. I am not a scientifically inclined person, but I was on the edge of my seat in that session, eager to hear more and learn. The first education session was about an issue that doesn't affect my teaching in Oklahoma, but I learned so much about international school systems and reaffirmed by beliefs in children's rights and the importance of education. These two experiences reminded me to never stop learning; to be open to topics that at first don't seem interesting or relevant; and to always be open to gaining knowledge.

2. Be passionate, be courageous, and make things happen.

In the closing session, actor and humanitarian Sean Penn said, "This is the century where you will see the accounatability of what you did and did not do." I am not shy with my beliefs or passions, and I know what I want. I also know that what I want to see change in the world will take a lot of courage, from me and from whole communities. This weekend taught me that it's ok to spread that kind of courage, and by giving what you can (time, talent, skills and/or money), we can build courage in others. We can make things happen when we use our strengths to make others stronger.

3. We aren't just the future, we're the present.

In the closing plenary, Sean Penn discussed so much about what our generation can do. Every year at CGIU, President Clinton reminds us of the power we, as young people, have in today's world. From social media, to innovation, to passion, and everything in between -- we have all the tools and skills, more than any previous generation. We also have so many problems to solve. During the conversation, I thought of generations past -- iconic in terms of wars, struggles, big eras of change and movement. But, if what Penn and Clinton say is true, we are the cusp of even greater change, and it's our generation that's in charge of it. We are the Change Generation...and I love it.

There's so much more to discuss and reflect on from this year's CGI U. I hope I can continue to work with this organization and all the young leaders that, like me, are not waiting on the world to change -- we're making the change.

Back to Tulsa. Can't wait to see my kids and colleagues and rock the world.

~MJ

Snowmageddon, Tulsa Style

The speculation began on the weekend before last. Tulsa was buzzing with news that a big snowstorm was headed our way. Of course, I knew that probably meant five inches...Tulsa's version of "big" is very different than such definitions in Colorado.

I was in definite need of a snow day. I was feeling a little burnt out and overwhelmed, wrapped in a pending sinus issue. So, going to school on Monday, I was really looking forward to a Tuesday snow day -- when the storm was supposed to hit. The anticipation in our building for such a weather event was something you could cut like a knife, among students and teachers.

Lo and behold, the big one hit. It started with thunder, lightning, and a mix of water and ice pounding on my roof Monday night. By Tuesday morning when my 6th grade class would normally start, we had those five inches. And, over the course of that day, we got about five more, although snow drifts I trekked through in the afternoon were sometimes over twenty inches.

It was amazing. One of the best snow day experiences, ever. My roomie and I had stocked up on food the night before and used the opportunity to have a small feast with friends...I also spent a lot of time watching 30 Rock, movies, and reading. I did go outside and trekked to my apartment office, walking along the river. My friend and I had a ridiculous time...sometimes, the snow was merely an inch, sometimes, it was up to our waists. The wind was biting even though the sun was shining, and snow consistently blew in our faces.

All the cars in the parking lots were buried and silly snow drift formations decorated our complex. The next day, a few cars were able to dig out and move into the world, but for the most part, Tulsa was at a loss. It was never equipped to handle so much snow, much less the 1" of ice (at least) that had accumulated under the snowpack.

So, school was cancelled that Wednesday while they worked on clearing the roads. And Thursday. And Friday. And then it was the weekend, and was very cold. I made it out into life on Saturday, and spent a few hours at the coffee house working. I also got a haircut and did another grocery run. The Super Bowl was entertaining enough, but I started to feel ill that Sunday night and thought I may have to take a sick day on Monday (or be suffering).

And then school was cancelled on Monday because the side roads and neighborhood streets were still treacherous. And, the school parking lots hadn't been cleared. Then, Tuesday was cancelled, in anticipation of another large system sweeping through Tulsa. And swept through it did -- Wednesday, when school was cancelled for the seventh day. About seven inches fell in my area, but by afternoon, the sun was shining and on snow day #8, I feel like it hasn't haulted Tulsa.

Except, school was cancelled again today. I'm supposed to be flying out to DC tonight to go to the Teach for America 20th Anniversary Summit; everything seems like it' s a go at the airport. I already put in a sub request for Friday, but I have a feeling we just had an early spring break.

Minus the beach in Cancun.

TPS put out a survey to get ideas on how to make up the days...adding time to the school day, having classes on Saturdays, canceling what was supposed to be a four-day weekend next weekend, trimming spring break, and adding to the end of the year were all considered. We'll see what the school board ultimately decides this week (I'm fine with everything, except I think canceling spring break would be a shame for travelers. I didn't have any concrete plans yet, but I wanted to make some!).

Oh, and my 8th graders have their state writing test on Feb. 23rd...even without 2 weeks of test prep time erased across the state. I even took to texting some parents and students and assigning practice essays over the snow days just to try and make up for lost time!

Next week is going to be crazy. But, I'll be glad to see my kids again, get back into a routine (so much time stuck at home can really ruin any understanding of time and motivation), and move on.

This week was a blessing in disguise, because the Sunday illness turned into a serious throat issue that I saw my doc about on Monday, and got antibiotics and steroids just in time to treat. The rest afforded to me by being couped up definitely helps the recovery, so that was useful.

But, when I wish for a snow day again, I am going to be more careful. One or two snow days? Wonderful. Nine? A little bit of overkill.

Over and out, from "Snowklahoma" (as the weather channel apparently calls us -- Brian Williams even said it on the NBC Nightly News, and mentioned "Tulsa Town"...awwww),

~MJ

The picture up top is from the first storm, after the big stuff subsided. The wind was still strong and the drifts growing; the one in the shot was actually covering most of the first floor apartments. More pictures from Snowklahoma on Picasa

Stories from Middle School: Give a Kid a Notebook...

To prepare for the 8th grade writing test, my 8th graders are writing more and more. Through January, we are focused on word choice and conventions, the use of details and supporting arguments or making scenes interesting in narratives. They have notebooks split into sections meant for practice, reflection, modeling, and word banks. I modeled this unit after others from other curriculums, but have peppered it with some unconventional (for 8th grade) texts and varying creative assignments. Two weeks into the unit, I'm pleased, impressed, and moved with some of the topics and stories that have come up in the notebooks. I'm halfway through grading week 2, and already I've read stories about why the skateboarding park is so important to one of my students (because he can learn and become better at something he's good at), a fictional story about three of my students on a journey through the desert to the Oasis (and we haven't even read the Alchemist yet), a memory about riding the bus in 6th grade...

I have a brother and sister as a pair of students. When asked to "Zoom In" on a moment and describe it using as much detail as possible, they choice to write about the morning they discovered their father dead. "My Eyes" opened me to a world they hadn't yet shared, and reminds me just why love is so important. In using his "feedback" section, the brother wrote, "I like the journals and what we're doing with writing. I like writing in the journal about the book Bang! because it feels like I can really connect with the book. I've had a lot of people dying all around me all my life. The notebooks were a good idea on Ms. O'Malley's part." It's amazing what a notebook, a book, and a reflective mind can do for a person. To know that this student is loving something about learning is huge -- and I'm so humbled to be a part of it.

And, how would an opener to a story like this make you feel? "It was a Sunday and a windy day. Everyone thought it wasn't going to happen like the last one. I believe that day changed everyone's lives. During Hurricane Katrina, my family and I had to go to the cold hospital my dad worked at." This student came to Tulsa following Hurricane Katrina after being displaced in '05. She is one of my top students and clearly has a lot of stories to tell (like so many of my students).

Another student wrote about finding out her best friend moved away without warning. She described how she felt in that moment, and used the rest of the entry to reflect on how important he was to her: "Every time I'm with him he raises my spirits. People say that's love but I say they wrong. I say its brother and sister love. Love that nobody can touch, that's too precious to see and too quiet to hear." Her writing reminded me so much of some of the things that I've written. She also said that she wants to be a writer when she grows up, and I told her, like my freshman English teacher told me, "Never put your pen down."

We've discussed what we want to write, mostly to give me ideas for what kinds of assignments will generate the most from my students but also challenge them. When I first read this, my heart skipped a beat. It's from a girl who started writing in 5th grade and wants to continue building her skills: "And what I would like to write are inspiring stories. Things that have real meaning."

On their latest assessment, students had to write a short passage using imagery and interesting adjectives. This was aimed to test all of the practice we put into this week on creating engaging scenes for readers and using better word choices. This was a part of an entry that made my heart smile:

"It was cold and bitter. The penguins were happy and playful, though. They looked like miniature people suits diving in a pool on a hot summer's day. You would just want to jump in with them with all the splashing and little squeals that sound like they're laughing."

We've used excerpts from The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien as mentor texts for the use of imagery and strong, detailed vocabulary. To challenge their argumentative skills, we read a part from "On the Rainy River," a story where O'Brien recounts the feelings he had when he was drafted into a war he did not agree with. The story is a powerful piece and asks readers, "what would you do?" In a pivotal moment, O'Brien has to choose between staying in the U.S. or fleeing to Canada. We stopped there and asked, "what would you do?" I think it's interesting that all of the entries I've read so far (about 10 out of 24) state that they would flee to Canada. I don't feel this is their liberal streak -- they all discuss how they couldn't fight for something they didn't agree with, that their principles mean more than their pride, and that even if they had to sacrifice being with their family, they couldn't go into something they couldn't stand up for. Now, this is all very abstract for them, but I thought it was an interesting conversation for 8th graders to engage in, via writing.

I'm not even halfway through grading, but I am so blown away by this little classroom experiment. I wish that I had decided to do it closer to the beginning of the year, so that we could have more time to see their skills blossom.

But, all I did was give them a notebook, discussion about writing, some model texts, and a prompt. They've really made it all so much more, though. Goes to show, when you give a kid a notebook...

~MJ

Mulling

I'm mulling over what the theme should be for my 2010 "Year in Review." In the meantime, I realized it's been a solid chunk of time since I've done anything on here. I've been busy teaching, reading, playing Angry Birds, and going to middle school basketball games (they are four hour events these days). I did traveling over Thanksgiving to Denver, and was just back there for Christmas (and did a second Christmas today in Oklahoma City). I've met some guys, lost some guys, and in general, am pretty confused by guys. I have adapted so well to my iPhone4 that I expect everything to use predictive text.

In November, 744 bombed (I still can't believe how bad -- you know how I felt about that bill). Oklahoma is still in national news as being a state that banned Shari'a law (although an injunction was filed and wisely implemented by a judge in November). English is the official language of state business, and I'm pretty sure we're independently minded when it comes to health insurance. The first female governor of Oklahoma, Mary Fallin, will be seated in early 2011, and her opponent, Jari Askins, is on the short list for nomination to the state supreme court. Regardless of these outcomes, I know I cast my ballot for what I believed in and I am so thankful to have done it. As I truly begin to see more and more of what the education system is in this country, I also know that that will not be the last time I will be tending to my civic responsibilities.

More transition will occur in OKC next fall, too...when TFA expands to OKC Public Schools and Putnam. We will then be referred to as "TFA-Oklahoma" instead of "TFA-Tulsa" (although, we all know where greatness began).

My last story from middle school for 2010 is:

a couple in my 6th grade class. Boy is shorter than me; girl could be an 8th grader if she wore a different uniform (aka, she's tall). They have been dating since September. I found out at a football game, and three months later, was surprised it hadn't gone through the short-lived stint that most middle school relationships do. Their school supplies, and sometimes hands and arms, are sharpie-d with names, addition signs, and equal signs to hearts. Still adorable. My 6th grade class has worked so hard and was rewarded with a party the day before break -- the most free-wheeling shenanigan I think I have ever allowed in my room. There were tons of snacks, drinks, and despite my insistence that the only music would be Manheim Steamroller, an all-out dance party to student-created beats. In the midst of this, boy gave girl a heart-shaped necklace. Not something out of a penny machine, but a legitimate, with a stone, heart necklace. The girls in the room swooned and signed; the boys were confused. But the couple? Adorable, still. We'll see how the relationship fairs in 2011. But, for the sake of everyone's hearts involved, I hope it lasts.

My 8th graders also rolled out a fabulous, 6-page student newspaper and my 7th graders did more work the week before winter break than they have since October. These are things around which I define hope these days.

Still mulling,

~MJ