Barb

What an incredible experience it was to learn about Barb, her experience, and amazing, insightful, intelligent perspective.  I'm so thankful for the opportunity and look forward to gaining more insight from her book, I Might Be You.  There were so many things that I took away...
I have many friends with children diagnosed as being mildly autistic.  Sadly, I don't think I ever really considered their future lives as adults partly because I don't know any adults with autism.  Becoming aware and leaning from Barb, gave me a different perspective.  For the children I know and the ones who may be in my classroom, how will their experiences, the expectations or lack there of that society places on them shape them as they grow into adulthood?  How will I, as a teacher, influence that?  As Barb stated, "Autism is my prism, not my prison."  How can I help to shape that same mentality in my students by understanding their structural and functional difference, not focusing on their challenges?  I liked the analogy that there is "no standard flower, no standard culture, no standard brain."  As Barb suggests, "We are all flecks of God, all diverse and all important in this world."

I believe as teachers we need to become more introspective of our teaching, our purpose, and our influence just as Barb has become through her typing.  It's a process but something that is highly important in understanding our role and how that effects our students.  Through this introspection, we can become more aware of our actions, particularly with how we approach students with disabilities or "neuro-diversities."  As Lisa, Barb's smiling shrink suggested, "Meet students where they are, build on their strengths, be comfortable with other forms of communication," and I think, of most importance, "be patient."  I LOVED the quote, "Everything is within walking distance, if you have the time."... How true!  And praise those who took the time to walk the distance with Barb.

And that brings me to my final take away related to time.  I truly admire Barb and her ability to find peace, purpose, live a happy life and give back.  I can't help but reflect on this week and the mad rush with time and obligations (many of which are self-induced).  I realize I'm often one of those "chain saw juggling normal" and all I can think of is "Martha, Martha, Martha... ", how much do I miss out on in this rat race and how jealous am I of the contemplative ability/ gift of Barb/Mary.

Therefore, in closing, through Barb and this semesters experience, as I approach my internship year, I'll become more mindful, introspective, contemplative in my purpose as a future teacher.  I liked the quote from Dolly Parton that said, "Find out who you are and be that on purpose."  In doing so, it will only better me as a teacher and allow me to encourage that in my students, as well.