It was the close of the AEE conference today with the exception of one optional workshop tomorrow (which I opted into). The March Fourth Marching Band played tonight.....there were moments that the room full of educators began screaming "yes we can!" and then "yes we did!" to the drums beating in the front of the conference center at the Hilton.
This conference opened 3 days ago, with keynote speaker Carol Bellamy, a law school graduate, who moved on to become an elected public official. She has been a Business Manager of major financial institutions, a director of the U.S Peace Corps, spent 10 years as the Executive Director of UNICEF, to now have assumed leadership of World Learning. To me, the beauty of her speaking was her open discussion and excitement about the barriers broken the moment Senator Obama was named President Elect in this country. The crowd erupted into cheers many times as she discussed the current moment in history. She spoke to education in terms of policy, diversity, and opportunity. It became clear at the close of her speech that I'd joined a room of passionate, caring people; educators who intended to change the world through positive life experience.
While we all settled in to various workshops through the weekend there was an undertone of absolute joy, from fun and games with education....but also a celebration....and wonderful stories of student reactions to the the election. Despite the many "non-partisan" organizations represented, discussion around the election seemed unguarded by every individual I encountered. I was met by nothing but excitement.
Sarah it was wonderful this weekend to read how you've celebrated with people across borders in Italy. This election has been such an important world event. As I type this, all I know is...after the last eight years.....this is all, just settling in. Mostly I wish I could have spent Tues. Nov. 4, 2008, celebrating with my family , and my close fellow organizers/might as well be family....(Anna, Sarah, Michelle & Amy). As I'm typing this I'm finding that I'm a bit concerned someone will have their feelings hurt that I've not named them.....I am so lucky to have you all in my life, despite our possible distance you are all such good friends. (a.k.a. those of you that have the address to this blog). Though I was not with any of you the night of Obama's eleciton, you were and are, all in my heart. I am anxious and excited to see what work lies ahead for us all.
And Mom! Thank you for teaching me so much about education, diversity and life! I am excited to continue on in my journey of activism and education.
