Random thoughts, isolation will do that to you..

“Be the Change you wish to see in the world” Gandhi

“Peace is Always Beautiful” Walt Whitman

“The Core of Mans Spirit Comes from New Experiences” Chris Mcandless

Why do we some people have this innate desire to travel, to do good, to see the world through other peoples eyes? While others are happy just living ordinary lives?...I ve always said to myself I must try to leave this world a better place than it was when i entered it and I must see all that this world has to offer. It took me a long time to actually begin living this way. I don't remember exactly what kickstarted this journey of mine, but I can point to a few people, places, and things that have inspired me to make my life a little less ordinary.

1. Summer of sophomore year: Entering my sophomore year my sister and I took this trip to Maine through a company called Longacre Expeditions. She was in middle school and i just finished up my first year of high school. We biked , hiked, kayaked, and camped along the coast of Maine for two weeks. We cooked our own food, camped under a blanket full of stars, rode 40 miles a day along the rugged coast thru quaint New England towns. It was my first time really appreciating the splendor that nature has to offer. That same summer I took a vacation out west to Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Utah, and the Dakota’s. It was here that I first fell in love with the west. When you get to see the magnificence of the Grand Tetons, the ruggedness of Yellowstone, and clear, star filled skies of Montana it is hard not to. I think it was this feeling of freedom that the west offered that kindled my spirit to move out west following college.
2. Mr. Furlong: The reason I became a teacher was Mr. Furlong, my english teacher all four years of high school, I read two books in four years To Kill a Mockingbird and A Walk in the Woods , two of my favorites. It wasnt the subject that influenced me but the way Mr. Furlong cared about his students and treated them like people. He was a role model and a mentor, helping me through some of the toughest years of my life. I continue to see Mr. Furlong today and we have become good friends. He gave me a copy of To Kill a Mockingbird for my graduation, and he wrote “Like Jem and Scout on their longest journey, I wish you luck on yours. And what a journey its been so far...
3. John David Bowman: I first met Jodi in grad school, we were both beginning our course to obtain a Masters in Education, how proud we were to be in grad school. We soon realized that a Masters in Education holds as much clout as a degree from Devry Institute. Jodi however turned out to be one of the most intelligent people i have ever met without being socially awkward. He is like a human museum, he reads constantly, and I am not talking about some Jackie Collins novel or Harry potter bullshit. He reads books on any historical topic you can think of, social commentary, and various political science books. Think Howard Zinn, Gore Vidal, Norman Mailer... etc . Before I met him I wouldn’t exactly say I was a reader or had a thirst for knowledge, but he inspired me to seek wisdom through reading and studying beyond the classroom. Every time I talk to Jodi I am consistently re-inspired. I have read countless books since that fateful day in grad school. These books have led me to opportunities i never would have thought existed.
4. Invisible Children Rough Cut: I found this documentary by accident a few years ago, i was looking for videos to put on my “Myspace” page (Yea fucking Myspace, that tells you how long ago this was and what a douche I was, who has a myspace page that is older than 18, only losers) I stumbled on this trailer for the Rough Cut video. The song for the trailer was MIA and there was something about the mix of this song with the images of children from Africa holding guns, malnourished, and yet still smiling that hooked me. I had already had an interest in Africa but didnt have a place or purpose to focus my attention on. Well this video gave me both, The Rough Cut and Invisible Children have been a part of me both personally and professionally. They has given me the opportunity to not only see my students become inspired activists but to also travel to Uganda to see firsthand the efforts of many people working to create opportunity for the people of Gulu, Uganda
5. John Prendergraph: Darfur was actually the first issue to ignite my interest in Africa however it wasn't till a few years later that I read a book by John Prendergraph and Don Cheadle. This book was an eloquent look at the people of Darfur and the toll the genocide has taken on the region. It was also the story of John’s efforts not only in Darfur but in the Central Africa region trying to help end the conflicts that plague the area. If i could have the same life path as anyone in the world besides Gandhi and Reggie Bush( for selfish reasons) it would be Mr. John Prendergraph. He has worked under Bill Clinton, started the Enough Project, traveled to and from Africa numerous times to chronicle the plight of so many, and written countless times on issues so many of us ignore. My goal one day is to start an NGO like the enough project and help alleviate some of these historically repetitive issues like genocide, sexual violence, and starvation
6. Teacher Exchange Program: My first true experience abroad couldn't have been in a better place. In the summer of 2009 i was accepted to participate in a program which allowed me to teach in Gulu, Uganda for two months. And thanks to the generosity of Mr. Barry Segal (segalfamilyfoundation.org) I was able to go to Gulu and have the experience of a lifetime. So many things about this trip were inspirited. First, the other teachers on the trip, 15 in all, are truly amazing individuals. Sometimes it is easy to forget that there are people who are not only impassioned about these issues but work harder, longer, and better than you. I was also introduced to another part of the world that i had only read about in books and seen in movies. People who overcame adversity with more hope and passion than before. Students who continued to study despite being part of a war, teachers who continued to teach despite the low or non existent wages. One individual in particular will always be engrained in my mind. Robert Paul John, a veteran teacher who had a heart that should be shared with everyone. He was probably the greatest individual I have ever personally met. And although I may never see him again he will remain a part of me forever
7. Gandhi: A pacifist takes no action, while the non violent man will take action without a gun(yea i made that shit up on the spot) The brilliance to bring about revolution without violence, I have never believed in war as a means to an end , and I never will.
8. Into the Wild: I first read the book a few years ago and was captivated by this story. If anyone knows me well, they know that both the book and the movie are my absolute favorites. The main character , Chris had a spirit that I admire and wish was ingrained in me. Some people criticize his story for being selfish, senseless, and having no regard for the people that cared about him. I look at this story in a much different light. Chris had the courage to reject what he saw as the evils that plague society (cough cough) and seek a life of isolation and naturalness. On his journey “Into the Wild” he touched so many peoples lives in only a way I can hope to do one day.
9. Last years students: I dont know where or how this fits in, but I keep thinking of the students i had last year and how much I truly enjoyed teaching them. They were a wonderful mix of the cornucopia that makes high school social groups. But they all (most) had one thing in common they had good hearts once you chiseled through the ignorance, immaturity, and clumsiness that makes a teenager. Anytime I think of them I smile and it makes me want to keep teaching. I was beginning to think teenagers were evil little demons and teaching high school was a close to hell as I could get. But even if I have only one more year like the last, I could keep teaching another five! So if your reading this periods 1-5 and some of period six, you guys were awesome, its your turn to inspire others.
10. Mr. Greg Mortensen: This is a new one, I just finished reading the book “Three Cups of Tea.” Here is what I love about the story, Mortensen wasn't looking to change the world, he stumbled upon that path by accident. Since that beautiful mistake he has built hundreds of schools for the underprivileged and under-appreciated. Read the book for yourself and see how one man can truly change the world
11. My friends and family: Back home i have had the same friends since kindergarten, that means I have had the same best friends for almost 25 years and i am only slightly older than that. I think that is crazy, most friendships last an average of a couple years and despite not being the best friend in terms of keeping in touch, returning phone calls, etc These people have remained not just a part of my life but a part of my heart. In arizona, I ve had the same friends since I moved there and still going strong (despite what Sam will tell you) So Glastonbury people , I love you, Arizona people I love you. And my family ,my mom and dad have given me a life most people can only dream of, They have spoiled me while still learning to appreciate what i have and instilling values in me that make who I am today.
12. TBD