Finding My Tribe: How a Graduate Program Rekindled My Passion for Learning

This journey wasn't just about enrolling in a program; it was the continuation of a pathway of a lifelong love of learning. From a young age, curiosity fueled my desire to explore and question, a trait that found its place in a nurturing classroom environment. This passion translated into my own classroom, where I fostered a student-centered approach, and evolved when I transitioned into an Instructional Technology Coach. But my thirst for knowledge craved more. The Applied Digital Learning program at Lamar University emerged at the perfect time, offering a blend of environment and knowledge that resonated deeply. 

Where I Started

The seeds of this journey were planted well before I ever enrolled in the program. From a young age, curiosity and a love of learning fueled my desire to explore and ask questions. I connected ideas in unique ways and at my own pace, a trait that initially felt out of place in the traditional school setting I begged to be a part of in the second grade. However, two inspiring teachers in a combined high school literature and history class showed me otherwise. They validated my instincts and creative approach to connect ideas, demonstrating that a love of learning and a thirst for knowledge weren't strange, but valuable. 

This revelation carried over to my own classroom, where I consciously strove to foster a safe and student-centered environment. Here, learners and I shared equal space in our classroom (no teacher desk, supplies accessible), free to explore, experiment, and make mistakes. It wasn't always perfect, but my commitment to growth led me to continuously learn and stay informed – trauma, best practices, cultural nuances, inclusion, learning difficulties, communication, motivation – you name it. Every decision revolved around what truly benefitted my students and what tools could empower them. 

This thirst for knowledge, coupled with a growing leadership potential, led me down the path of graduate studies. However, finding the right fit proved elusive. Unwilling to settle, I kept searching until fate, or perhaps a well-timed social media algorithm, intervened. An ad for the Applied Digital Learning program at Lamar University caught my eye. Something inside me said “This. This is it.” So, I clicked on it and read through the information.  It resonated deeply, offering the perfect blend of environment and knowledge I craved. With a click, a call, and a few short weeks, I found myself exactly where I needed to be.

Who Was Involved

The program wasn't just about academics; it was about a community from building a core collaboration group, to our colleagues, and members of the larger graduate program.  I vividly remember the first meeting with Dr. Harapnuik. He spoke of a bold vision – to transform classrooms one teacher at a time. And there, laid out in that first class, were the very ideas that resonated with my deepest convictions about how children should learn, no matter their background. Here, in this program, were brilliant professors, doctors even, who not only validated what I'd always believed, but who were actively teaching us how to make it happen. And I wasn't alone. The program fostered a vibrant community of like-minded individuals, each with unique experiences, yet all united in this shared passion. We weren't just classmates; we were collaborators, journeying together.

This sense of community was a vibrant thread, playing a crucial role in reigniting my passion for creative thinking. A pivotal moment occurred during the development of my innovation plan. I remember stifling my creativity, but during an office hours meeting my professor saw right through it. With a simple question, something along the lines of "If you could do ANYTHING you wanted, what would it be?", Dr. H challenged me to break free from my self-imposed limitations. Another instance involved a creative approach I took on an assignment. Wanting clarification, I bravely requested a meeting. That conversation, far from being critical, became a rich exploration of how to further enhance my creative expression. The program constantly reinforced this notion of ownership through creative learning, where deadlines were the only boundaries. This was pure liberation for a mind that had learned to suppress its creativity.

The Peaks and Valleys of Learning

The program was a whirlwind of exhilarating highs and inevitable lows. Collaboration was a major peak. Forming a core collaboration group, taking ownership of applying learnings to our careers, and being constantly challenged to explore and communicate ideas – it was pure intellectual stimulation with rich conversations involving so many different people and experiences.  And creating? Oh, the joy of creating! It was like candy for my brain, whether crafting physical or digital projects. Time flew by when I was lost in the creative process.

Learning itself was a constant source of energy. While I'd devoured most of the assigned reading (blame my insatiable love of learning!), there were always new gems to discover – articles, videos, even the occasional TED Talk or Sir Ken Robinson lecture that I hadn't yet encountered. The program's magic touch was weaving theory, pedagogy, and practical application seamlessly. Everything we learned could be immediately implemented in our classrooms. Was it planned this way? Honestly, I don't know. But again, it felt like fate was conspiring in my favor. Existing knowledge deepened through exploration and collaborative discussions, enriching my understanding on a whole new level.

The camaraderie within my core group was another unexpected blessing. We learned each other's strengths, functioned as a supportive unit, pushing each other to excel through constant encouragement (feedforward, as we learned!). This wasn't just a study group; it blossomed into a circle of friends, offering support that extended far beyond academics, spilling into our careers and families.

But let's be honest, it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. Time, that limited commodity that remains largely in charge, reared its ugly head. Sleeping, working, and eating – who knew they were such time-consuming endeavors? Deadlines loomed, pacing was crucial, and 24 hours just never felt like enough. Your brain, it turns out, needs time (and water, and rest!) to process the sheer amount of information. Real-life obligations competed for those precious hours, leaving me yearning for more time to explore and delve deeper into ideas.

The program's fast pace left me with a lingering wish – to have had coffee with each of my professors, just to chat. They were amazing, each with unique teaching styles and approaches, yet united by a shared philosophy. It was fascinating to see how the same philosophy could play out through different personalities, all leading to the same learner-centered environment. So much was learned simply through observing how each one conducted their classes.  The program provided a supportive environment where everyone received personalized assistance through various methods. This ensured that individuals could tackle challenging topics and achieve individual successes.

Then there was APA 7th edition. It was the bane of my academic existence. Relearning academic writing felt rigid and awkward. Tutoring became a necessity – I wasn't going to let technicalities impede my progress. Learning to manage the ever-shifting demands of family, career, and class was a continuous battle. There were more than a few late nights and moments where the climb seemed insurmountable.

This Process Includes All the Feels

This whole journey has been an experience of a range of emotions, but excitement and urgency has definitely been the reigning champion. It's been like feeding my brain pure candy! I've come to realize I'm an autodidactic learner at heart – that sounds so much cooler than "geek," right? The program offered the perfect challenge, like a complex puzzle. The process of unraveling it, of finding the solution, was just as rewarding as the final answer. It felt like taking all the pieces of knowledge I had scattered around and being challenged to rearrange them. Not that the old way was wrong, but could it be better? Could it be more impactful? How are we connecting all these ideas? That's a question that fueled my excitement throughout this entire process.

This program wasn't just about acquiring knowledge; it was about creation and growth. The collaborative spirit was contagious, and together we formed an incredible learning group – a group of individuals as invested as myself. This sense of community fueled a whirlwind of creativity. Individually, we created an ePortfolio, crafted graphics, delved into literature reviews, and churned out blog posts, videos, and video presentations. But that wasn't all! We even ventured into the exciting world of a co-created podcast episode. Additionally, supported each other by building an online module with its components, and designing professional learning experiences. These weren't solitary efforts – innovation plans, influencer strategies, 4DX plans, action research plans, and even growth mindset plans all stemmed from our collaborative spirit.

What Was Accomplished

Looking back, it's hard to pinpoint what worked best because, for me, it all worked together like how individual instruments playing under a skilled conductor create a symphony. The program fostered a perfect blend of challenge and support, pushing me to think, connect, create, and achieve in ways I never thought possible. Perhaps the only area for improvement lies in how I approached some of the more technical aspects of learning, and more specifically my attitude toward writing using APA 7th edition. In hindsight, a more proactive stance from the get-go would have saved some late nights. However, there's an odd satisfaction in the struggle. Grappling with APA wasn't easy, but that very struggle fueled my determination to learn how to master it. And learning how to master it continues to be an areas I’m learning. This experience, along with everything else I've grown in has accomplished more than the original course goals an outcomes, by instilling a newfound confidence in me – a confidence that will propel me forward in my journey as a learner and an educator.

Lessons Learned

This program was a testament to the power of waiting for the right fit at the right time. Surrounding myself with a community of passionate learners, a core tenet I've always believed in, proved to be an incredible source of support and inspiration. It truly is a case of "you get out what you put in" – the more I poured into the program, the more I reaped the rewards. Remember that website built in a week out of sheer assignment-driven panic? It's a testament to human potential when the pressure's on! But while skills and content can be learned, passion is the fire that ignites it all. This program solidified my belief that foundational principles can be respectfully challenged and applied within existing systems, and with thoughtful execution, lead to positive disruption. It also underscored the beauty of diverse philosophies – the same core concept can be approached from a multitude of angles, enriching the learning experience for everyone.

The ADL program served as a constant reminder that we are all unique learners, just like the learners we serve. Play, with ideas and creation,  is a powerful tool for exploration and engagement for learners of all ages, and authenticity fosters genuine connections. Clear communication is an act of kindness, ensuring everyone is on the same page. Asking questions isn't a sign of defiance, but a vital step in constructing meaning. Every person and every experience holds value, contributing to the rich tapestry of learning. Growth is rarely linear, and the process of learning is just as important as the final product. The program emphasized the importance of slowing down to build a solid foundation before accelerating – a crucial lesson that will stay with me as I move forward.

Where I Am Now and What Lies Ahead

Excitement and urgency continue to be the name of the game right now!  I'm brimming with ideas and a desire to tackle everything at once.  Realistically, I know I cannot single handedly transform the education world. (A person can dream, right?) The ever present "Time"remains a factor, but that won't stop me from steadily pushing forward with my innovation plan.  And you can bet I'll be consciously integrating these new learnings into my role as an instructional technology coach.

As for what's next? Everyone seems to be asking that million-dollar question.  What is the acceptable answer?  Honestly, the answer feels wide open right now. I have this deep sense of being exactly where I'm supposed to be, serving the right people, and surrounded by an incredible community that pushes, encourages, and inspires me. It's a powerful environment for endless possibilities being part of a team of colleagues that is dream-like!

One suggestion is the encouragement to share my ePortfolio more publicly. Some of my peers think some of the ideas there are worth spreading! The idea of pursuing a doctorate has also been floated around.  I do love learning. If I could support my family through being a professional learner, I would. The challenge in doctoral studies, though, lies in committing to one specific research topic for an extended period. My brain, as you might guess, thrives on exploring a multitude of ideas simultaneously. (Remember that time I was researching project-based learning pedagogy? A library detour led me down a fascinating rabbit hole – a research paper about how biologists studying a different animal accidentally discovered that giraffes "vocalize" through low, musical humming sounds at night (who knew?!) to replicate the phenomenon multiple times. Classic case of my brain on the loose!) 

So, for now, I'm basking in the joy of this program's impact and embracing the exciting unknown that lies ahead. Whether it's delving deeper into my current role, sharing my learnings with a wider audience, or perhaps even embarking on doctoral studies, one thing's for certain – the future is brimming with possibilities!

This journey wasn't just about enrolling in a program; it was a homecoming, a return to the wide-eyed wonder of a child discovering the joy of learning. The seeds planted long ago blossomed in a nurturing environment, and now I stand, not just with new knowledge, but with a renewed sense of purpose. The path ahead may be uncharted, but with the embers of curiosity burning bright and a community of fellow tribe members by my side, I am eager to embrace the adventure and transform the world, one learner at a time.