Reflect on 2014, Realize your successes, Reap all of your Rewards

Did you realize December is almost over?  Before we know it, 2014 will be in the past! How do you feel about 2014? Are you relishing in your amazing accomplishments? Or, are you remembering everything you didn’t finish and regretting all of your mistakes? 

It’s human nature to want to be happy and to want success.  Sadly, it’s also human to make mistakes and to make excuses for our mistakes.  The essential question is: Do we just give up and perpetuate our own negativity OR do we learn from our failures and adjust our lives to improve our quality of life?

I teach high school and I have many students who just want to give up.  If something isn’t easy, if it requires time, effort, and creativity, they just don’t want to put in the work.  They don’t want to struggle and endure that sickening feeling that they failed.  But, I don’t give up on them.  I can’t give up on them.  If I give up on them and allow them to fail, then they continue that downward spiral and learn that it’s easier to not try anything that’s difficult. 

So, I keep telling them that they have a genius within them; they are all different, yet they are all special in their own ways.  I try to accommodate for students and encourage them to the point that they know I won’t take NO for an answer.  I write FAIL on the board on a regular basis.  My students know that it stands for First Attempt in Learning.  I share with them my mistakes and how I learned from my mistakes.  I try to use sports as examples.  “Can you make a 3-pointer in basketball if you have never held a basketball in your hand?” Some students make smart-alecky responses to try to show that they are awesome at sports by saying “I never miss a shot!” or “I make 3-pointers all the time” And, that’s when I remind them that they have to practice to make those shots.  I share other examples, using other sports and other hobbies, like playing instruments or videogames.  I even asked my students to think about how many hours they spend playing games on their cellphones before they master them. Slowly, as I focus on FAIL throughout the first semester, I realize that some students are listening and are learning.  I’m proud of them.  Yet, I know my journey continues because there are so many more students to reach.  I don’t give up. I keep encouraging and motivating.

I made a goal for myself that 100% of my students would pass my class this semester.  I knew it would be difficult because many of my students came in telling me that they hate English and they won’t do homework.  Well, I told them I don’t assign homework.  They cheered.  But, I do expect them to work hard in my class for those 55 minutes that I have them.  To some students, that meant the work would be challenging, while to others it meant that they just had to show up to my class.  My students quickly learned that I demanded participation.  I taught and I wanted them to learn.  I facilitated conversations and I wanted them to share their own viewpoints.  Throughout the semester we tackled big issues and we learned to collaborate together, feeling more and more comfortable in the classroom.  And, when I made mistakes, I showed them how to deal with them effectively and calmly.  

Sometimes students didn’t complete work, so I taught them that not working productively in my classroom, resulted in them taking the work home, or coming in during advisory to finish up the work, or staying after school.  These are natural consequences.  I told them that when I don’t finish my grades or lesson planning, I have to take it home. It takes time away from my family, but I know I have to get it done somehow.  Natural consequences are a part of life.  I don’t give up; and I want them to learn to persevere as well.

Why am I reflecting on this concept of Never Giving Up?  Why do I mention FAIL and how its concept help me motivate and encourage students?  Well, it’s thanks to Maria!  I was at a Christmas Party last night, with some people I knew and many I didn’t know. We were reflecting on our year, since she was one of the few people I did recognize and we did have a few things in common.  We both work full time and have children.  We both have husbands who work full time and are successful in their careers. Our husbands are both into classic cars; so they talk about cars whenever they get together. 

As we continued to reminisce over the events in our lives that occurred in 2014, she asked me why I don’t show pride in my accomplishments.  For a moment I was taken aback by that comment?  I am proud of my accomplishments.  I take pride in everything I do and I work very hard to make sure I’m a great teacher, great mother, great wife, great daughter, etc.  So, I wasn’t sure how to respond so I just stated “I just don’t want people to think I’m bragging.” Boy, did she have a comeback line for that one! “You deserve to celebrate yourself. Life is short. Enjoy it.” As I’m listening to what she is saying, I’m beginning to realize that I do spend most of my time taking care of others and encouraging others.  I motivate my students, my children, my husband, my colleagues, my friends, etc.  I congratulate them on their accomplishments and encourage them to try harder when the results aren’t perfect. 

Well, she didn’t stop there.  And, that is proof that she is a true friend.  An acquaintance would just give wise advice and move on to the next conversation.  There’s nothing wrong in that.  Give great advice to one person, move on to another and continue making a difference.  That is totally awesome and awe-inspiring.  Yet, Maria didn’t stop there.  She pushed and pushed that I need to celebrate.  She suggested having a party or going out to dinner.  She even volunteered to babysit my kids for me.  Wow, she really meant what she was saying.  Yet, our conversation had to stop because one of her kids needed a diaper change and one of mine wanted some juice.  So we parted ways.

But, only for a moment.  Later, as my husband and I were gathering our kids and saying our goodbyes to those we knew at the party, Maria wouldn’t let me go unless I promised that we would get together to figure out how to celebrate my accomplishments.  She even told my husband that we had such an amazing 2014 and we deserve to be celebrated and we should take pride in our accomplishments.  At this point, some people would be annoyed because she was being very insistent.  Yet, I was very proud of her because she wasn’t giving up.  She was determined to make sure I got her message and that I took her advice.  It was a moment that warmed my heart, a moment I won’t forget.  She was right.  I teach that lesson every day to my students.  “Don’t give up.”  “Keep trying.” “Learn from your mistakes.” “Be proud of your good accomplishments.”  “You can do it.” And, it was my turn to be the student.  It’s a lesson I needed to learn.  It’s something I must work on…soon.  Thank you, Maria.  It’s a Christmas present that is priceless and unforgettable.

As I reflect on 2014, I realize that:

•  I am blessed to have amazing children who are healthy and happy
•  I am lucky to have a husband who supports and encourages me on a daily basis
•  I am grateful that my parents are still around, though battling illnesses
•  I am destined to be an educator who makes a difference
•  I am proud of my students (despite challenges and revisions) because 100% passed my course
•  I am encouraged to continue working towards my many goals and dreams, believing they will come true
•  I am surrounded by amazing educators through my PLN who continue to share their amazing Genius;  I’m better because of them, so please continue posting your amazing successes and advice
• I am going to remember 2014 for all its amazingness and I will continue to learn from my failed attempts
• I am motivated to reach more goals after being recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) at the 2014 Those Who Excel Awards Banquet 
• I will utilize my time better in 2015 because life is precious and our moments are priceless.
• I AM proud of being a recipient of the 2015 Joliet Area Great Teachers Award
• I am honored to be nominated for the 2015 ICE Educator of the Year
• I promise to continue encouraging and motivating my students, children, family, and friends to be their best and to appreciate their successes while learning from their mistakes
• I promise to take some time to realize my own successes and reap the rewards that I have worked so hard to attain

Yes, 2014 is a year to remember and celebrate.  I will make sure that 2015 is even more memorable and successful.  And, this time around, I will take time to reflect and celebrate.  It’s a promise!

 Questions: 

1.     As you reflect over 2014, what have you accomplished? Why was it so rewarding?

2.     As the year 2014 comes to a close, what will you remember?

Remember to Realize your worth. You Matter!

Reap the Rewards you have earned. You deserve to celebrate your success!

Pulling the Weeds, Growing my Garden! (of Life)

I had a major Aha Moment today.  After pulling weeds out of my garden, I came inside to wash my hands.  Though I wear gloves while gardening, I still needed to wash my hands. As the water was running from my faucet, I was looking out my window at my garden…and IT hit me.  I just pulled the weeds out of my garden and I need to pull the weeds out of my life!  Here’s what I mean:

Weeds grow and they steal the water and soil nutrients around the vegetables and fruits and flowers that you actually want to grow.  One or two weeds might not seem like a major problem, but they will manifest into a major problem if you don’t get rid of them.  If you ignore the weeds, more and more will grow; and they will take away the nutrients and water that the fruits, vegetables, and flowers need in order to thrive. 

And, in that moment, in my kitchen while cleaning off my gloves and hands, I realized that I need to get another type of weed out of my life…Negative Thoughts and Negative People!  As much as we all try to live a happy life, we can never be perfect. Bills frustrate us, sick kids worry us, family drama annoy us, etc.  Our life is filled with wonderful moments that we relish and enjoy; yet, there are days where something happens and we are drained.  We could be having a great day, playing with our children, watching a movie with friends, enjoying a dinner date with our spouse, driving from a successful coupon saving grocery shopping spree when out of nowhere, something tries to destroy that amazing moment.  The kids start fighting over a toy, a topic of gossip comes up in conversation that you wish you didn’t hear, or you park your car in the garage only to realize you forgot to buy diapers (and you know you just used your last one before you left the house to go grocery shopping)!  There goes your mood!  Now your day is officially a nightmare!  And anyone in your path is sure to suffer.

But, wait…those are just weeds…ones you need to just cut and throw out.  So, how do I do that?

cucumbers

Suggest a different toy or game or movie for the kids so they aren’t so focused on that one toy. Or, take out a stop watch and teach a lesson in sharing by having the kids only play for a minute each with the toy. Turn the car back on and drive back to the store, or pat yourself on the back for having an extra bag of diapers hidden in the closet, just for these emergencies.  Call your spouse or text a message to please get a box of diapers on the way home from work.  And, that gossip?  Who will benefit from that nonsense?  No one.  Switch the subject, especially to something more interesting or funny.

In other words, Breathe and Refocus yourself to the good parts.  Your life was fine until this bad moment…so take out the darn weed and get rid of it.  Don’t ignore it or walk away from it.  Find a solution RIGHT NOW and don’t let it annoy you a second longer than necessary.  Show yourself and your kids and friends and spouse that you can deal with a little setback effectively with awesome problem solving tricks. 

basil

Don’t just walk past that garden and shake your head at the new weed that just popped up overnight. Pull it out right away!  Get rid of it.  Trust me, if you don’t, the weed’s best friend and the entire clique will join that darn little weed in a day or two.  Then it will really frustrate you!

So, all those people who say something negative or don’t believe in your dreams, goals, aspirations, THEY are the weeds in your garden of life.  Don’t allow someone’s negativity to bring down your positivity.  Prove to yourself that you are a success and your ideas are awesome. If they work, awesome; if they don’t, then you will modify them. You will learn from your mistakes.  But if you allow these weeds to control your life, will you ever learn anything?  Will you ever improve?  Will you ever succeed? 

strawberries

This afternoon, I’m enjoying a salad with all the ingredients from my own garden: lettuce, cucumbers, green onions, sweet onions, peppers, tomatoes, and strawberries.  (Yes, my hubby found a way to protect the garden so no animal gets to it. And, believe me it was a lot of trial and error.  But we wouldn’t have a garden if he just gave up on it.) If I allowed the naysayers to change my mind about anything, I wouldn’t have half of what I have.  And, guess what.  I felt like a salad today.  I didn’t go to my fridge nor did I have to get the kids buckled into the car and drive to the store and try to figure out the best prices for the healthiest produce.  I stepped outside, picked the vegetables and fruit I wanted in my salad, washed them off in my sink, cut them up, and enjoyed a deliciously healthy salad.  Oh, I saw a few weeds as I was picking through my garden.  Do you know what I did?  I pulled them out and got rid of them. 

Life is too short to worry and be upset.  Do your best and stay positive.  Get rid of the weeds before they take away the great out of you (like water and nutrients).  Enjoy life and smile.  You definitely deserve it!

  Questions: 

1. What is a goal you want to achieve this year? Why is it so important to you?
2. How will you make sure no one's negativity (even your own, sometimes) will stop you from accomplishing your goal?

Get Rid of the Life-Sucking Weeds and Grow your Genius Goal!  

We can celebrate your success  together...SOON!

Meet Maggie Maslowski

FIRST BLOG POST...SCARY AND EXCITING...HOPE TO MAKE IT MEANINGFUL!

Who Am I?

• Daughter of Polish parents who gave up everything to leave Communist Poland in the 80's to give their children a better future. Yes, that means I'm bilingual.  Polish is my first language.  English is my second language.  I consider myself Polish-American and proud of it. I get my determination from them. They were determined to improve their lives and I'm determined to make them proud of their decisions.

• Wife to an amazing man, Michael. He is my best friend and my soul mate.  He knows when to comfort me and when to challenge me. Yes, I married my Prom Date, a bit of information I love sharing with my high school students around Prom time! We love chaperoning Prom because we can re-live our own Prom memories, even if it makes us realize how much older we are getting each year! I feel blessed to have a happy marriage.

• Mother to two adorable boys.  Patrick and Andrew are total opposites when it comes to personality.  They are extremely perceptive and intelligent, cute and kissable, and the absolute joys of my life.  I find myself taking more pictures and videos than I think I could ever have time to re-watch.  Yet, I feel like I can't even capture all the precious moments in photos.  Children are truly gifts from God and I try to treasure every moment I have with my angels.

• Educator since 2003, yet I have been in a school environment since the year I was born {which I don't really want to disclose at this moment :)} My mom was a teacher in a very poor community while residing in Poland, so she was allowed to bring me into the classroom.  I used to sit in my playpen while my mom was teaching in her classroom.  I have truly been in education all my life; I was meant to be a teacher!

• Life-Long Learner who yearns to keep learning.  The more I learn the more I know I need to learn. I absolutely love school.  I love the feel/smell of new books, notebooks, pencils, etc. I like taking notes and I like to be organized. I have a BA in Secondary English Education from North Central College, an MA in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University, and an MA in Educational Leadership (Type 75) from Concordia University.  And, I still hope to go back to school for my Doctorate, though my husband jokes he will never call me Doctor Maslowski.  I don't do it for the accolades; I do it for the knowledge.  I truly love learning. It's a passion of mine; one I hope to share with my children and my students. Since I joined Twitter in late July 2013, my world of professional development has skyrocketed.  I continue to learn every time I connect with an amazing educator.  I enjoy the authentic conversations and I seek new edtech and engaging lessons. 

Me (Mommy) with Patrick and Andrew doing some summer reading and relaxing! 

Mike (my handsome hubby) bonding with our boys!

Questions:

1. What makes you, YOU?  I'm a daughter, wife, mother, educator, and life-long learner.  What 5 words describe you? 
2. Why these 5 words? Why / How do the words you chose define you as a person?