As I crossed over the Memphis Tennessee state line, I was a bit hesitant and not quite sure as to what I should be expecting from this MDH program and, for that matter, what was expected of me. One thing I knew for sure, I was extremely nervous and beginning to shake uncontrollably just thinking about the upcoming week unfolding and where this new journey detour was about to embark in my life. While listening to Dr. King’s inspirational tele-talk on Monday, I began reflecting about this learner path before me and the task at hand I needed to understand in order to succeed. Like a lucid-state, out of body experience, Dale Carnegie best framed my momentary sentiments I had rushing through my head, “…Most of the things worth doing in the world had been declared impossible before they were done…” Yes, it was a bucket of Tennessee ice water-in-my-face unfolding before me. I quickly realized it was nothing more than another layer of Life’s secret learning tours waking me up to provoke, inspire, and enable me to ingest this pathway before me. It was nudging me to participate as a willing partner to learn and challenge myself as an individual, a student and educator all rolled up in one tiny little ball. In fact, my presence here this week has become a true testament of my acceptance to this challenge for continued growth & learning. I have risen to the most important aspect in my life that sits before me and I stand up today to be counted that I am and want to be here to complete this wonderful learning pathway unfolding before me.
The pathway to this learning curb first began early on while going to dental hygiene school. Within that period, I acquired my Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene Education and continued to work in the private practice sector. Within those years, I pursued a Yoga teacher certification program which allowed me to teach & instruct Yoga classes, group workshops as well as private instruction. Most recently, in the last three years, I began teaching clinical dental hygiene at Georgia Perimeter College alongside my mentor. Today, I am currently enrolled in the Master of Dental Hygiene Program at University of Tennessee. One aspect I share commonality with Dr. King’s pathway of learning is where our journeys began to where it has now safely landed. For the most part, I never considered, entertained or anticipated the very idea of embarking on this pathway and the mystery ride before me remains even more enticing.
It is with a great sigh of relief to acknowledge that after attending Dr. Ballard’s class on Wednesday, my jitters have finally begun to subside allowing me to relax & slip into my comfort zone and begin feeling that 'everything will work out for the best.' I also have to say that I truly enjoyed the “setting of the pace of the class” which allowed me to ultimately feel that this challenging program is very much attainable. This amazing new journey is allowing me to become a part of another greater-part of my learning-self while sharing this learning curb of successes with all my mentors, my fellow students and my loving spiritual supporters from within my circle of family and friends. It is allowing me to shape myself into the best student, learner and educator that I can be.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Robin's Reflections
As I look at this week in retrospect, I am most of all honored by the new people I have met. The network we have created in four short days will indubitably be important liaisons for the journey through the MDH program. The fellowship shared brought to light consoling similarities and eye-opening differences as to how each has developed the career we all share in common.
It was of particular value to meet and greet the educators that will be working with the program on line, being different from other online classes I will have a visual picture and personal experiences that will help in the progress of this course.
The agenda for the week was for the most part well planned and in most instances provided with valuable information that will make our online experience more effective. However, there were some aspects of the orientation days that I felt were not as relevant, such as the honor code and research segments. The days were tiring of information and it is believed that the agenda could be designed to expedite the orientation. Fortunately for me I did not leave small children, a husband, did not have to pay for a week's hotel and food, or have to take a week of my personal vacation time to spend in Memphis, but had this been my case I may not have been able to make this week. I understand the importance in procedure and also as it pertains to University policy, it is just the opinion here that maybe as a result of feedback that some of these be considered. Perhaps this is not the general consensus of the group but it could be that some of these issues had crossed the mind of some.
To end on a positive note, as this blog began, the camaraderie was the highlight of the week and some wonderful ideas shared, and they will definitely be incorporated into the teachings of this educator. Thank you all for your words and wisdom and in the words of Zig Ziglar...."I'll see you at the top!" (Or as I have translated his to my own quote to my students: "Go! Fight! Win!")
It was of particular value to meet and greet the educators that will be working with the program on line, being different from other online classes I will have a visual picture and personal experiences that will help in the progress of this course.
The agenda for the week was for the most part well planned and in most instances provided with valuable information that will make our online experience more effective. However, there were some aspects of the orientation days that I felt were not as relevant, such as the honor code and research segments. The days were tiring of information and it is believed that the agenda could be designed to expedite the orientation. Fortunately for me I did not leave small children, a husband, did not have to pay for a week's hotel and food, or have to take a week of my personal vacation time to spend in Memphis, but had this been my case I may not have been able to make this week. I understand the importance in procedure and also as it pertains to University policy, it is just the opinion here that maybe as a result of feedback that some of these be considered. Perhaps this is not the general consensus of the group but it could be that some of these issues had crossed the mind of some.
To end on a positive note, as this blog began, the camaraderie was the highlight of the week and some wonderful ideas shared, and they will definitely be incorporated into the teachings of this educator. Thank you all for your words and wisdom and in the words of Zig Ziglar...."I'll see you at the top!" (Or as I have translated his to my own quote to my students: "Go! Fight! Win!")
Dental Hygiene Summer Week July 2009 UT MEM MDH
When my mother began demonstrating signs of Alzheimer’s disease, I felt that a tremendous change was on my horizon. Not just for Mother, but my direction as well. On July 13, 2009, I found my way to a building in Memphis where I sat with twelve strangers, listening to some very wise people speak about the fine art of education, in particular, the education of dental hygiene students. “What am I doing here?” I asked myself as I glanced around the room observing and listening to beginning and seasoned instructors that are now students, too.
According to Dr. Kathleen King, I am taking part in a transformative, circuitous journey. A journey that began when I witnessed my mother decrease in her capabilities while she became reliant upon the effort of others for her basic care. I hope to take this awareness of my mother’s journey and, by transforming myself, become a person that will help others learn so that they and others will not face the changes my mother has before her. I have found Dr Williams, Dr Ballard, Deborah Spence and all the others in the UT Allied Health program to be the strong fabulous people I suspected they would be. I am excited to be on this journey and I am thrilled with my co-travelers. I stand in awe of the classmates and instructors I have met. To have this opportunity to meet in person has enhanced this experience, a rare opportunity with distance learning.
Since that awkward morning four days ago, I have shared experiences, laughed, meals, stories and fun times. At Graceland the group was frequently seen texting. My point is this, as I have my direction and my goals and needs seem clear, my plan is drafted and, while always remembering to be flexible, I WILL ENJOY THIS JOURNEY. Thank you all for the opportunity.
Jan
Reflections.....
What an awesome week!! I have truly met some of the most wonderful women this week. I am honored to be part of such a great group. When I started on my journey here last Sunday I had my ideas of what the week would be like, but had no idea that I would start friendships that I’m sure will last a lifetime! You ladies are great and I cannot wait for us to share this journey together.
I have truly learned that I love teaching even more and am so excited about what is to come. I am confident that I will take back many ideas to my students already and know that this program will enhance me to be a better instructor. I am sure that I will be challenged but now feel comfortable that I will have the support I need to be successful. I also know that I have a new appreciation for my students and have learned that I need to continue to set boundaries and goals, continue to be flexible, and become a more balanced individual. I think as women and health care providers we tend to be givers and sometimes don’t know when to say no….I definitely have to work on this trait!
I also wanted to say Thank You to the returning students who have been so welcoming and full of insight and inspiration to us. I have learned so many things from you and enjoyed all of the hard work and dedication that you put into the presentations this week, they were excellent and gave us big shoes to fill!
I am grateful that we had the time to meet most of our professors and spend some face to face time with them. I love that fact that the program is online but building these relationships from the beginning face to face is priceless! I am looking forward to this week again next year already for two reasons. Number one: we get to spend another wonderful week together! Number two: we will have completed the first parts of our journey together and be that much closer to having our MDH!!
I have truly learned that I love teaching even more and am so excited about what is to come. I am confident that I will take back many ideas to my students already and know that this program will enhance me to be a better instructor. I am sure that I will be challenged but now feel comfortable that I will have the support I need to be successful. I also know that I have a new appreciation for my students and have learned that I need to continue to set boundaries and goals, continue to be flexible, and become a more balanced individual. I think as women and health care providers we tend to be givers and sometimes don’t know when to say no….I definitely have to work on this trait!
I also wanted to say Thank You to the returning students who have been so welcoming and full of insight and inspiration to us. I have learned so many things from you and enjoyed all of the hard work and dedication that you put into the presentations this week, they were excellent and gave us big shoes to fill!
I am grateful that we had the time to meet most of our professors and spend some face to face time with them. I love that fact that the program is online but building these relationships from the beginning face to face is priceless! I am looking forward to this week again next year already for two reasons. Number one: we get to spend another wonderful week together! Number two: we will have completed the first parts of our journey together and be that much closer to having our MDH!!
Joanna's ramblings
This week has been very eye opening for me, as I come to realize that I am really taking this next step in my education and am starting this journey that seemed so far off a few months ago. It has been amazing to be with such a great group of hygienists and to safely exchange ideas and learn from each other. I know that this is just the beginning and I am confident that I absolutely made the right decision in chosing this program. I have found it interesting to try to get myself to transition into the role of student again. I am used to being the teacher, so I am having a hard time taking off my teacher hat. In this short week I have learned so much that I can take back and use immediatedly in my program.
Already a fan of online learning, I am looking forward to the discussions and working with my group in Dr. Ballard's class. I am so glad that we had this face to face contact, as I think this will enhance our cooperative learning experience. The varied experiences will also add to our learning, as we will have different, valuable outlooks. I hope that at MDH week next year I will be able to look back at the year and see how much I have learned and grown as a dental hygiene educator.
Already a fan of online learning, I am looking forward to the discussions and working with my group in Dr. Ballard's class. I am so glad that we had this face to face contact, as I think this will enhance our cooperative learning experience. The varied experiences will also add to our learning, as we will have different, valuable outlooks. I hope that at MDH week next year I will be able to look back at the year and see how much I have learned and grown as a dental hygiene educator.
Reflective Essay
My first official week of graduate school has come and gone rather quickly along with a whirlwind of emotions. This week has been very intimidating, overwhelming, exciting, educational, and insightful. I feel honored to be enrolled in a program with so many other amazing individuals; many of whom I have looked towards this week for guidance. I came into this week with a slight lack of confidence, but will be leaving tomorrow with much reassurance. I must thank my classmates and instructors for this encouragement. Although I lack experience as a dental hygiene educator; I know that my passion and desire to obtain a position as an educator will guide me through this program. I am aware that I will have to work much harder, but I am a determined individual and I am ready for this journey.
While I am ready to return home to Charlotte, North Carolina; I am eager to begin my courses and start absorbing a wealth of knowledge through individual and group work. I am very confident in the members of my group and I am looking forward to working with each of them. Although I lack the experience that my other group members possess; I hope that they rest assure that I have the ability to contribute towards the group work.
It is truly unbelievable the amount of learning that has occurred in just four days and I am looking forward to all that may be ahead. This has been an amazing week!
Jessica Huffman
While I am ready to return home to Charlotte, North Carolina; I am eager to begin my courses and start absorbing a wealth of knowledge through individual and group work. I am very confident in the members of my group and I am looking forward to working with each of them. Although I lack the experience that my other group members possess; I hope that they rest assure that I have the ability to contribute towards the group work.
It is truly unbelievable the amount of learning that has occurred in just four days and I am looking forward to all that may be ahead. This has been an amazing week!
Jessica Huffman
My Reflection - Brandi Barranco
MDH Week has provided me with a lot of insight about the career path I have chosen. Days one and two were a little overwhelming because I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I spent those days just taking everything in. One great experience for me is having been able to meet some absolutely wonderful hygienists and educators. As a fairly new graduate with no experience in education, I feel honored to be among such great women. I hope to learn from the experience of others and hope they will assist in modeling me into the best dental hygiene educator I can become. In addition to feeling honored to be a part of this great cohort, I also feel slightly pressured to be able to hold my own in a group of more experienced clinicians.
I do like the way Dr. Ballard has us grouped together. I think every group has a good mix of experience. I am confident that everyone has something different to bring to the table. This will help facilitate learning and growth for everyone. So far, I have realized that I need to do some review. To many of the seasoned educators, the verbiage comes so naturally. I will need some practice expressing things into words. I am fortunate to have been offered a position as a clinical instructor to second year hygiene students at Louisiana State University School of Dentistry in Baton Rouge. While working here, I will also be in private practice. Having these jobs simultaneously will benefit me because I can practice what I am preaching to students. I will be more aware of my own technique. I hope this, along with brushing up on some textbook reading, will allow verbalization of my correction format as well as my ability to ask questions that will induce critical thinking to develop over time.
I do like the way Dr. Ballard has us grouped together. I think every group has a good mix of experience. I am confident that everyone has something different to bring to the table. This will help facilitate learning and growth for everyone. So far, I have realized that I need to do some review. To many of the seasoned educators, the verbiage comes so naturally. I will need some practice expressing things into words. I am fortunate to have been offered a position as a clinical instructor to second year hygiene students at Louisiana State University School of Dentistry in Baton Rouge. While working here, I will also be in private practice. Having these jobs simultaneously will benefit me because I can practice what I am preaching to students. I will be more aware of my own technique. I hope this, along with brushing up on some textbook reading, will allow verbalization of my correction format as well as my ability to ask questions that will induce critical thinking to develop over time.
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