![]() I grew up on a dairy farm in northeast Kansas. Family, hard work, participation in extra-curricular activities at school and 4-H were the foundational elements of my childhood. The core values that I learned that stick with me today are:
This town has allowed us to raise our family in a culture of “community”. An example, this weekend my husband smoked ribs for a friend who has cancer and I was busy making cookies for a funeral reception today. My kids grew up going to a small 1A school, but received an education that allowed them to be college and career ready. Both graduated as valedictorian, Governor’s Scholar, National Honors Society members, and participating in numerous extra-curricular activities. But the most important lessons they learned are not represented in those accomplishments. They learned from their coaches that perseverance reaps rewards. They learned from their teachers that the first draft is not your final paper, and that persistence is a vital part of being successful in life. They learned from their family that it all starts at home. Say please and thank you. Offer your arm to the elderly lady as you walk into church. And after church, Sunday is family day. There is never a time to lie. Make a difference in someone’s life every day. "Life is what we make it, always has been and always will be!" My entire life I have been passionate about learning! I want to grow and learn and move quickly each and every day….even if that means I make mistakes (many of them) along the way. I believe we need to squeeze every ounce of what we can out of this life and positively impact people….students, parents, board members, teachers, administrators and others. Anyone with whom we come in contact should remember us when we walk away. "If you want to feel secure, do what you already know how to do… (Photo: by TumblingRun on Flickr “Leaving the Farm”)
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Kelly GillespieKelly's insights on classroom observation, education, leadership, teaching, and mentoring. Archives
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