Phew, it had been over 3 years, but I was finally able to attend an in-person conference once again and headed to Teach Better 2022 last month. Tied to this trip, I was also able to run the Columbus half marathon with some amazing friends and educators. Complete JOY!

I’m blessed to work in an amazing school with truly incredible colleagues, so I feel like I consistently get that rush most people only get at conferences when they are surrounded by like-minded people. I’d forgotten, though, how intense it is when you get to step away from the day-to-day of classroom and school life and really immerse yourself in learning with countless inspiring people. I learned a lot in Ohio, both at the conference and while running the half, and I hope that sharing these tidbits will provide some inspiration and motivation to “keep on going”.

If you don’t know Mickey Smith Jr., I don’t blame you. I didn’t before Teach Better either, but he got my attention long before he even started his keynote. As we were leaving the venue on the first day of the conference, he was setting up for the next morning. This entailed a sound check unlike any other I’ve heard for a keynote… he was playing the saxophone and I didn’t want to leave. I was already captivated and knew I could NOT be late the next morning.

From the moment he stepped onto the stage the following day, I was pulled in. He made me laugh, he made me cry, and I could not stop nodding and feeling and leaning in. Here are my biggest takeaways:

• You may not feel special, but you are significant. Sometimes, you don’t see it because you are in it, but you are significant. Mickey speaks of finding your sound… what is it that you do that makes you significant. Doesn’t have to be special, or different, but you definitely have that sound. Find it. Focus on it. Share it. You are significant, and others benefit because of it.
• Help others find their sound, too. Mickey said that “sometimes we are too busy LOOKING so we aren’t SEEING”. You can be a lighthouse, you can help others see. Shine that light for them.
• Keep on going. He shared stories of hardship, perseverance, and feelings of wanting to give up. But he didn’t. He kept on going. And we should, too.
• Mickey shared that he in an incredible sax player (I can confirm this is absolutely true). Then he said something that hit me, hard, “but you should hear me with the band”. Thanks for this reminder, Mickey! Yes, you may be amazing at what you do, but we are always better TOGETHER.

Speaking of together, when we are working with others, working together, there will naturally be roles that come out, hopefully based on strengths, interests, and passions, but probably also on skill sets.

When I started running, it was because I needed to mentally. I actually sucked at running. I could barely survive 10 minutes on the treadmill. And I hated it. But I kept at it because I knew it was good for me. Eventually, I started running outside and it still sucked. My neighbour, who is an avid runner, took me under his wing and taught me a lot. Because of him, I eventually started enjoying running, and tackled big goals. His role became one of coach and teacher while mine was of a very unexperienced student who had so much to learn. What I found to be very challenging at the beginning was this sense of guilt. I felt bad for holding him back. When he was running with me, he was running at a much slower pace than he needed to. He promised me that it was fine and that this also helped his training, but I couldn’t believe him. I felt like a burden, like I was better because of him, but not the other way around.

It’s not until recently that I truly understood his perspective. One day, we were running together, and I was sharing my excitement for the upcoming Columbus half marathon. I was explaining how this one was extra special because I had no personal goals attached to this race. None. My only goal was to help get my friends to the finish line. In that moment, I understood. There are no burdens when you are working together. We are all better because of one another. How is the simple difference. This revelation brought on a whole new kind of feeling to the race experience, something I’m sure my neighbour felt when I was such a newbie! I’d already run half marathons before, I’d already crushed my time and pace goals, but my friends hadn’t. And supporting them to achieve their goals was just as sweet. Who doesn’t want to be a part of such a huge accomplishment; getting to see others power through challenges, push through pain, while knowing that you were there to support them? It’s gold.

Both positions have value. And I’m glad I’ve gotten to now experience both sides of the medal (pun very much intended).

Tisha and Dave, I will forever be game to tell you when to run, walk, and fuel! Yummy gels for Tisha next time, no chews… and Dave, seems like those Red Vines worked just fine for you, even though Twizzlers are way better!

Tara, I would be honoured to run with you next time and get you to a new PR. Sub 2 here we come, unless of course you already crush this goal before we get to run together again, which let’s be REAL, it’s gonna happen!

I feel like a broken record, but I will continue saying this over and over again, because it is truly SO powerful. Find your tribe. They will help you find your sound. They will be your lighthouse. They will remind you of your significance. They will be your biggest encouragers and help you keep going. And chances are, you will all be brought to new heights, because we are all better together.

Mickey, Tara, Tish, and Dave, thank you for making me better.