PLN Gratitude-Well Overdue!

"Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation."

                                                               -Brian Tracy

First off, if you see this blog entry and are reading it, you're likely part of my PLN and this entry is dedicated to you.

While growing up I never felt like I fit in or belonged.  I struggled through school changing friend groups and not being able to accept who I was as a person.  A family move and changing schools in fourth grade was one of the most difficult times of my life as it was very challenging finding friends at my new school as cliques had already formed. I was smart.  I was in advanced classes. By the time high school was about to roll around I asked my parents to get me out of these advanced classes.  I didn't want to get picked on for being smart anymore and I didn't want to be called the teacher's pet any longer. I wanted to be a "normal kid."  I even went to the means of sitting down with the administrator to tell him that I would not accept the "teacher's pet" award if my classmates had voted me to win that award at the 8th grade dance.  I was tired of having this label.  High school wasn't much better, but I made it through.

Today, little of that matters because of the support I have around me from my PLN.  I only wish however, that it was this easy earlier in life.  Personal/Professional/Personalized learning networks are a tremendous asset in the life of an educator, while I have also found that they have the ability to change and move you as a person.  Over the last few years I have experienced an amount of professional success, as well as a tremendous amount of personal success because I have had these amazing people by my side.  I wanted to take the time to say thank you for all that my PLN has done to help me grow and become a better educator and a more confident person.  Here are the reasons in which I am thankful for my PLN.

1.  Each day they continue to INSPIRE.  The first people to inspire me in the realm of technology education were Dr. Henry Thiele (#MWGS) and "Googlers" Tammy Lind and Chad Kafka.  Without their passion and inspiration, I would not be where I am today.  I am thankful for Dave Burgess and his passion leading the PIRATE crew as I have found that it has been a tremendous game changer in my career as an educator.  The job of an educator is so much more rewarding being part of a "crew."

2.  My PLN fuels and drives my passion and recharges my battery.  Each week I look forward to the engaging conversations on Twitter.  Without these early on in my career as an educator, I'm not sure that I would have survived.  These conversations spark and engage a creative side to me that I have NEVER SEEN!  This came together quite nicely as I was creating a personal portfolio for my GET application.
https://sites.google.com/site/andreakornowski/

3.  PLN's make moonshot thinking possible.  The question is no longer "Is this possible?" It's "How are we going to make this possible?"

4.  My PLN gives me courage to do things I never thought were possible.  Two years ago I passed my tests and became a "Google Qualified Individual," but I was not confident enough in making the videos necessary to become a Google Education Trainer.  Today, after retaking my tests to update my status, my PLN has encouraged me and has pushed me to overcome this fear of creating videos.  Below you will find the one that I included in my recent "GET" application.  Without this push, I would have never taken this leap for myself professionally.

5. My PLN has demonstrated the power of being connected.  I love meeting people.  Upon graduating, I couldn't wait to sign up for list serves and to network with other science educators.  Today, I am proud to be a part of network that spans across water bodies and other disciplines.

6.  PIRATES stick together.  One of the best and my most favorite networks that I have become a part of is the #tlap group.  No matter stormy life may get and how rough the seas may become the pirate crew is always there to support.  The collaboration that results from being a part of this group is incredible and the passion and energy are contagious.

7.  My PLN has challenged me to become a better person.  My ideas aren't the "best ideas".  My PLN has challenged my ideas, and has pushed me forward both professionally and personally.  I have become more confident in myself and I am comfortable with who I am.... even If I'm a little Korny. :)

8.  Members of my PLN have become my friends.  For the first time in my life, I finally feel like I fit in and that I'm making a positive contribution in the work that I do.  I could not be more PROUD to call members of my PLN my friends.  They are some of the best people and educators around.  My PLN is responsible for a ton of laughs, smiles, and shared advice.

Thank you for your continued inspiration, encouragement, memories, and being a part of my journey. Without you, none of this would be possible!

"No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world."

-Robin Williams