gement: (Default)
gement ([personal profile] gement) wrote2006-05-30 08:20 pm

One midnight gone...

This should really go in school journal. Oh well.

Last Friday I finished the presentation for 560 (instructional techniques) on the subject of how to structure a half-day inservice for K-5 teachers on the subject of information literacy by the Big6 method. I was the only one with handouts, the only one without powerpoint, and by far the only one to suggest including a craft project - I passed around a glitter-encrusted mobile to illustrate the point. I was memorable.

Today was the last class day of 586, Public Library Advocacy. I'm only writing this post, even though I have a lot of living to do in the next three days and I'm feeling a bit crazy, because I don't want to forget this.

I want to remember feeling like I can do it. Every session of this course has made me feel like I'm in the right place, that I'm going into a career that matters, where I will be successful. I can work for programs for immigrants and children and community groups. I learned how to begin working with local government and involving community organizations. I learned what leadership, strong effective leadership, can look like, and it doesn't take any shouting at all. Tireless meeting and talking and writing and researching and meeting again, but no shouting, no anger, no cynicism.

I know how to successfully design and propose a program that will be realistic, how to pitch it even from the very bottom of the hierarchy, how to improve my workplace from exactly where I am no matter where that is. And I know that if this results in a surprise promotion to Manager of Everything, I have the skills and talents to handle that if I choose. I know how to foster a sense of respect in a workplace.

I know how to talk about why this is important, how libraries build communities, childhood literacy, immigrant integration, a safety net during recession, quality of life for everybody. I know how to get invited to discussions where these things are actually changed instead of just rubberstamped yea or nay. I know how to start these discussions, and invite other people.

And I want to do these things now. I want to run a place. They've been telling us all year that the whole field is changing, reinvention, etc. etc. etc... It's going to change with or without me, and someone had better steer. When I'm really honest, I went into this program because I want to fight for something I care about, and this was the best personality match that would let me do it. I came in here wanting to steer. If it's already moving, maybe it'll be that much easier.

This may be the class that changes my world. I would like that. I like how my world is changed right now.

[identity profile] hesperide.livejournal.com 2006-05-31 03:43 am (UTC)(link)
I am so happy to hear you've found something that feels *right*, and that it's inspiring you in this way. It's good to hear you being excited and looking forward! YAY! I'm so excited for you!

...doing a happy Snoopy dance...

hello

[identity profile] red-the-squeaky.livejournal.com 2006-05-31 04:55 am (UTC)(link)
I don't think we actually know each other in person, but we seem to have some extra nice friends in common. Shall I add you to my friends list?

Re: hello

[identity profile] hesperide.livejournal.com 2006-06-01 06:16 am (UTC)(link)
Hello back, and thanks for asking! It gives me a chance to think about updating the F-list, which I almost never think about otherwise. 8)

I don't think we've met in person either, at least not through this friend. Perhaps Gement would have a better idea. If you want to add me, feel free. I don't post so much lately, and I think my journal's pretty ordinary, but it reminds me that I'm here and connects me to other people. I'll update, and I might even put in some real content once in a while... just not a lot.

Glad you introduced yourself! 8)

Re: hello

[identity profile] hesperide.livejournal.com 2006-06-03 03:44 am (UTC)(link)
Hello Red Squeaky Person! I got a chance to peek at your user page today, and I am surprised we havne't met... we may actualy have met and not known it. 8)

I've been kind of asocial that last few years, but we have a lot more friends in common than just Gement and Grimwish... I am amused. Metkat lives across the street from me - though that appears to be changing soon, and I know Sanguis Bella and others on your list as well. Now I'm going to be trying to figure out if we've met, ahd where, though I'm pretty sure *not* at SPCC. Good luck with your move!


Humming along with the head tune "It's a Small World after all..."
(deleted comment)

[identity profile] hesperide.livejournal.com 2006-06-01 06:08 am (UTC)(link)
The Snoopy dance is only figurative... I can't dance anymore, but it's what I used to do when joyful, so I send the Lady a zen version. We're all over the goodness, and generating more of it.

8)

[identity profile] sistawendy.livejournal.com 2006-05-31 03:48 am (UTC)(link)
no shouting, no anger, no cynicism.

Right on.

[identity profile] corivax.livejournal.com 2006-05-31 03:55 am (UTC)(link)
Congratulations on finding your vocation. :)

[identity profile] red-the-squeaky.livejournal.com 2006-05-31 04:27 am (UTC)(link)
Yay!!!!!!!!
Remember to mark this baby so you can find it again.

[identity profile] littlemystories.livejournal.com 2006-05-31 03:50 pm (UTC)(link)
Unrelated note: You have been friended by the middle sister!

[identity profile] morinon.livejournal.com 2006-05-31 09:26 am (UTC)(link)
Yays.