Day 4 - 159 -- Inspiration

The annual conference for the professional association was held last week (hence these posts being later getting put up to the blog). I've always found conferences to be uplifting. They fill me with  ideas of actions that can be put in place or improve existing practice. Being with a group of like minded individuals can be inspiring.  Well -- like-minded in terms of similar training and background that has led individuals to many very different careers. Again, inspiring. The conference sessions are interesting -- highlighting the latest practice tools, professional concerns, and practice-based research findings. However, the real excitement occurs in the hallways and meals. Meeting new people and reuniting with colleagues and friends is my favourite part of the conference. Termed networking, this communication can lead to new viewpoints of shared challenges. I always find great ideas to bring topics into classrooms and in good years, conversations inform my research directions. I find people to work with and others find me for their projects. Helping each other move the topic and profession forward is my biggest take-away from this conference.

I had been unable to attend for the past two years, so this year may have felt more intense. I encountered more current and past students and interns than I ever remember from past conferences. Being in Atlantic Canada may have had something to do with that, but not everyone was from this end of the country. I planted a seed of having a group photo done and we had 20+ involved and still had many more who were unable to be at the photo op. It was fantastic to see so many people who had sat in my classrooms over the years -- to hear how their careers and lives have progressed. Learning of the contributions they are each making to the profession is heartening. Connecting with colleagues from across the country(former areas where I've worked) and catching up with old friends is rejuvenating. This week we had many chats, meals, and tours together -- all treasured moments.

The reunion aspect of the conference is special. It feels like a family to me. The profession has provided me many careers, each with unique skill sets and joys. The members of the association as a whole and as individuals have been the supports that helped me to maintain focus and move forward. The song for today may seem a bit schmaltzy but to me the 'you' it refers to is a plural pronoun for the profession. While not perfect, it is one of the most amazing fields to work in, providing many different career options -- just as a friend would. Enjoy!

Wind Beneath my Wings -- Bette Midler