Until immersion happens in a much anticipated life altering event there is no real way to do anything other than ponder inexact expectations and hope and plan for the best. The PolarTREC process began last summer (2012) with a lengthy application process. In my case, with climate scientist friend and former student asking to be paired together, applying meant hours and hours of writing and collaboration. After submitting dozens of pages to PolarTREC a nearly three month wait began. The thrill associated with acceptance that came in December still did not quite set the stage. The stage was set today, March 24th, in Fairbanks, Alaska at the first day of orientation.
Dedication to youth, creativity, motivation, drive and professionalism come to mind immediately after the first orientation day. Only after meeting my fellow PolarTRECers today am I even beginning to comprehend what this experience may mean. The science will be real, the outreach potential great, the relationships built, and, according to the veteran panel today, personal and professional transformation is on the horizon.
Thanks to alum Alex Eilers from Memphis the group enjoyed some sideburn humor.
The true meaning of being chosen as a PolarTRECer will come with time over the next weeks, months and years. After meeting everyone today and getting glimpses of what it means to be chosen as a 2013-2014 PolarTREC partner teacher I am still in the world of expectations rather than reality. I do believe that the potential exists for the transformation of my teaching and the transformation of some students’ lives. I can’t wait for the next chapters.