Build Your Impossible

Turning Struggles into Strength With the soft glow of a desk lamp illuminated a sea of textbooks and scattered notes I spent hours reviewing example problems. With incredible focus, I would meticulously review each concept, dancing between the lines of dense material and creative problem-solving. As the clock ticked late into the night, I  sketched diagrams and scribbled ideas, exhausted and frustrated hoping to finish with enough time to sleep. Each moment of struggle helped me become relentless and uncover what was possible. Every frustration and disappointment helps to connect me to other people who fight the same type of battles I do.  At times, it feels as though life is determined to test me. It’s as if several goals are blocked by an invisible wall. But in these moments of struggle and adversity, I’ve come to realize something profound: these experiences, which once seemed like obstacles, are in fact shaping me, defining me, and empowering me in ways I had not anticipated. I oft

  Navigating a New World: The Strength of Today’s Students A few weeks ago, at a conference, we were asked to complete the sentence, "Kids these days…” My first thought was, “Have the ability to learn anything for free”, but the more I thought about the question, I added a few things to my perspective in a different way.  Kids these days are asked to navigate a world unlike anything we have ever seen, and they are doing so with incredible resilience, adaptability, and strength. The Challenge of Devices and Social Media Today’s students are growing up in an era where smartphones, social media, and 24/7 connectivity are normal. While these technologies offer amazing opportunities—instant access to information, global connections, and platforms for creativity—they also present challenges. Students must learn to manage the constant notifications, the pressure of social comparison, and the addictive nature of these devices. Technology today requires students to have an incredible amoun

Celebrating Every Win on Your Journey Have you ever found yourself comparing your achievements to others, only to feel like you’ve fallen short? It’s so easy to get caught up in the pursuit of the gold medal, the highest honor, the ultimate goal—whether in our personal lives, professional careers, or even in our day-to-day tasks. But what if we shifted our mindset? What if we started celebrating the bronze medal moments, recognizing the simple joy and gratitude of just being on the podium? I recently listened to an episode of Mel Robbins’ podcast, where she talked about the “Bronze Medal Mindset.” I quickly connected. It is about being thrilled to be where you are and filled with gratitude for your journey. A rich life is not just about looking up and seeing how close you were to the silver or gold; it’s about appreciating that you’ve made it to the podium, a place many others didn’t reach or might never reach. The Olympic Lesson: A Reflection on Consistency and Perseverance A week ago

The last week and a half has been packed with inspiration. Energy has come from watching Katie Ledecky claim her ninth gold medal, Noah Lyles crush the 100-meter dash, Colleen Hoover, best-selling author of It Ends With Us, and Steven Spielberg do amazing things with the production of "Twisters”, Simon Biles do outstanding work in gymnastics to witnessing both of my boys dive into entrepreneurship. While watching these people in action today is impressive, the true richness of each person emerges when their backstory is understood. Lately, I have been thinking about the experiences and individual stories that shape us. Understanding these narratives is significant, especially in the classroom, where recognizing the unique strengths and challenges of each student can transform their educational journey. Listening to the stories of others is beneficial. When you know the backstory of Simone Biles for example, it is so much more rewarding to see her come back to the Olympics with st

In 2020, I focused on "Chasing the Impossible," and then it got personal. I decided to focus on and fall in love with my life and what I am doing. I changed, "Chasing to Build" and "The to Your". While my dreams have changed over the years—some of which I am no longer pursuing, and some I continue to strive for today. From an Olympic gymnast, to a professional basketball player, avid reader, and world-renowned journalist working alongside Barbara Walters (my Gandma told me it was possible), to becoming a full-time teacher, mom, aspiring author, and accomplished marathon runner, with room for the unknown—the feeling that the dream is still alive empowers me. Today, I live in that dream and love where I am, but I know there is more to do and more impossible to build. It is easy to overlook the simple, seemingly insignificant words that fill our conversations, books, and even thoughts. Hidden, simple words often blend into the background, overshadowed by the

Life is good, and lessons are everywhere. I appreciate that so many educators who podcast, blog, and create online content remind me of different ways I can keep track of my learning. Reflecting on what I have learned and sharing these takeaways helps reinforce the value of lifelong learning and the impact we can make on others. Incorporating wisdom from a number of people I respect has benefited me greatly. For example, George Couros’ Instagram posts, where he shares what he has learned recently, are particularly impactful. Reflecting on these lessons and documenting what I learn with a dated Google Document on my phone, as Lauren Kaufman advises, has become an invaluable practice. Being able to reflect is a privilege, and it facilitates amazing growth.  Recently, I attended a graduation party for a student about to embark on a journey with the Marines. As he prepares for boot camp, he’s able to bring very few personal items. His parents had a thoughtful idea: they provided a booklet