And... We're Off!

It’s like we are doing a triathlon right now. There are moments where we sprint; moments where we catch our breath; moments of frustration and struggle; and moments of great joy and sense of accomplishment. But, there is never a moment when we quit.

These past two weeks have been both exhilarating and exhausting at the same time. You know, that feeling, when you are running on adrenaline and feel like you have all the energy in the world but at the same time are completely worn out. And, when your head hits the pillow at night you either can’t sleep because your mind is still running a million miles a minute or your exhaustion causes you to collapse in to bed before taking a shower or changing in to pajamas! That is how the faculty and staff at the new High School and Technical School have felt the past two weeks (or, maybe it's just me! HA!).

Two weeks ago we initiated the “Open to the Community” Aerobics and Yoga classes… with instructor Kacy. Believe me; I am in no way qualified to teach either aerobics or yoga! I have been an athlete all my life and have taken hundreds of fitness classes and do yoga/pilates regularly. But, that doesn’t mean I am certified or qualified to lead others. But, that seems to make little difference to anyone here and we are having a great time learning together! The first day we had two students; the second 25; and now we have more than 40!! Everyone is at a different level but everyone is enjoying burning off a few extra calories with the support from others.

This past Monday we began meetings and entrance evaluations for the English courses and the students who are preparing to study here for High School next year. The “welcome” meetings this week have presented the school, courses, faculty and staff, PRECE, and the methodology of cooperative learning to the students. The excitement and anticipation on the faces of the students has washed all of the exhaustion away and given us more energy to continue.

This might be the testimony that our methodology of cooperative learning works- when you work closely with others they give the energy and motivation to continue pressing on toward your goal; those who struggle together also succeed together.