Why PIRATES make the best FRIENDS #TLAP

In the last few months of participating in #tlap, #scitlap, and #sstlap a few things have become very apparent in our chats.  I am HONORED AND PROUD to wear the pirate badge while I am also proud to claim my PLN pirate friends...as my own friends.

PIRATES....

Beg, Borrow, Steal, but more importantly SHARE!
Pirates are very humble about their work and they are also quite willing to share their #awesomeness as repayment for all they have begged for, borrowed, and stolen from others.  I would encourage you to seek out and check out their blogs!

IGNITE the passion fire, they don't extinguish it.  
Pirates have a special touch that allows them to ignite the passion in other's professional lives as well as their personal lives.  This helps Pirates build confidence in all areas of life.

Are always there by your side when life gets stormy, and the seas get rough. 
I have met some of the most passionate educators and made the best of friends around the hashtag #tlap both online via Twitter and at EdCamps.  There are a handful that have allowed me to join their crew and have participated in "pirate meet ups."  I could not be more proud to call these pirates my friends!  I am encouraged to meet more!

Are there to push you to become a better teacher, a better person, and to reach your goals. 
I could not have met some of my personal and professional goals if it weren't for the pirates around me giving me confidence to move forward and to take the leap or "walk the plank."  They might even offer dating advice. I am forever grateful for having them around in my life.

 Recharge batteries and fill floating devices on a weekly basis.
Sometimes the daily grind gets exhausting, but it's pirates that help to recharge your battery weekly with their inspiration, positivity, and great ideas.  How much better could it get with chats three nights a week!  They also help to fill flotation devices when you're overwhelmed and it feels like you're barely keeping your head above water.

Make you feel like you belong and that #YouMatter.
I struggled for a long time to find a place where I felt safe and that I belonged in life, but my pirate friends always make me feel welcome and that my presence and ideas matter...even though as a science teacher, I do like to crash the #sstlap chat.
                   -Lucius Annaeus Seneca



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