For the love of the game!

Life is all about connections, relationships and purpose.  

Personal Learning Networks

A network of individuals, organizations, resources that can help you learn, access resources, find experts, achieve mastery, inspire and provide support.

When asked what your passionate about in life, in networks, and especially in education, there are countless possibilities fortunately that can qualify.  When regarding education, our children, our next generations, I found that youth sports and athletics is very dear and important to me.  I feel so lucky to have had the opportunities growing up to always be playing or participating in sports or on a team. I don't know how my parents did it, but looking back now, it's just a blessing and amazing.  I was involved in basketball, softball, cheer, girl scouts, tennis, soccer, etc.  I love that I was able to be exposed to many opportunities and had fun through all!  The best part of it all now looking back as an adult, is I learned more than just how to play the game.  I learned competition, teamwork, motivation, practice, follow through, directions, believing in goals, and so much more.  

Regarding Personal Learning Networks, sports can be branched off into countless ways.  Not only did those sports and networks teach me about hard work, but I looked to the experts!  Those professionals playing those sports, winning those superbowls, those world series, etc.  Even though, in my eyes they were champions, I also knew very well that it took a lot of hard work for those athletes to get to where they are which gave me reason to believe in myself to continue practicing.  I knew I'd probably never be an expert in any sport, but having that faith in yourself hoping to do what you are capable of and enjoy is confidence and having the dream! With all of those experts though, my true heroes were my parents.  My dad was always my basketball coach, my mom my troop leader.  They weren't professionals, but I was always hungry to learn from them which I'm still doing at 31!

In education and for young children, I think sports are so beneficial for community, confidence and health.  No matter what and how your ability is, that feeling of being part of a team is priceless.  These were some really cool videos that I fell in love with this morning on the Today Show! Enjoy.

'I was the best': Team Louisiana becomes national champions at Special Olympics

http://www.today.com/video/today/56292573#56292573