Give Thanks

During this time of year we are bombarded with society telling us to, "be thankful" or "give thanks." That is all fine and good, but why are we only giving thanks to the positive things in our lives? To be honest, a lot of our negative experiences provided us with our happiness, so shouldn't we be more thankful for those people/situations? 

Example: Work/Career

I am thankful that my old school district that didn't hire me, because I am in a job that I absolutely LOVE! If they would have offered me the position, I wouldn't be able to make the difference that I am today. I thank them for showing me that being comfortable, isn't growing, and without growing you become stagnant. 

Example: Love/Relationships

If all of our ex-relationships worked out, where would you be today? I am not even going to answer that one! lol. However, I am overly thankful for each man that showed me exactly what I didn't want in a partner. I am able to reflect back on each of my relationships that didn't work out and give thanks to each man that loved me so much to show me what I didn't deserve in my blessed life. They are the people that made me more determined, stronger, and braver than others that influenced me, so I thank you! 

Example: Life

If we view each person that we come in contact with as someone who serves a purpose it will change your life. The rude cashier at the check-out, maybe ask how their day is going and that you appreciate the job that they are doing. That person is trying to show you something. Maybe what it feels like when we are rude to others? 

I put people we meet into two categories:

1. A mirror

2. A lesson

The mirror:

People we meet that we bitch and moan about are typically trying to show you something about yourself that you are not satisfied with. Think about it for a moment. Reflect on the people that you dislike the most. What is it that you dislike? I would bet that if you dig deep, you will realize that these people are showing you something about yourself that you are unhappy with. Embrace these people, love them, and then give them thanks! 

The lesson:

I love these people that cross my path in this journey. These are the people that love you so much that they are going to put you through hell and back until you learn a lesson. Most of time it is the people that hurt us the most that love us the most and won't stop loving us until we learn the lesson that they were supposed to teach us while on Earth. The lessons may vary, from a horrible boss or to the lying, cheating ex-husband. They are all serving a purpose and teaching us valuable lessons, so thank them.

Long story short...Be thankful for every day and every person you meet. Look at them through new eyes. Focus on giving them thanks in the darkest hour.  Life doesn't always have to be perfect and positive. Some of the most beautiful disasters come from our most negative experiences. 

Hope you all have a kick ass day! Keep being awesome!

xoxo, Leigh

Are We Really Preparing Our Students for the "Real World"

In education we hear the term, "real-world" all of the time. It is embedded into our curriculum, our daily verbiage and in every classroom you walk by you hear the famous statement, "because you will need it in the real-world, that's why you need to learn it." We as educators are supposed to be preparing our students for this world we speak of in everything that we teach within our classrooms, school systems, and education in general, but are we really doing just that? I don't know about you, but I am dreading to find out what this "real-world" really looks like, because it sounds like it sucks!

In the "real-world" if you fill out a form incorrectly is it not accepted? In my experience what typically what happens is, your supervisor meets with you, explains what is incorrect, helps you fix your mistakes and then allows you to resubmit it. So, why when students turn in something that has mistakes, do we not re-teach what they did incorrectly? We simply, mark it wrong, or worse, we give them give them a zero, allowing no opportunity for growth or improvement? That doesn't really sound like the "real-world" to me?

Example: If a teacher is supposed to turn in a field trip request form 10 days in advance and accidentally turns it in late, should I not approve it, restricting them and their students from taking a trip? "It was late and I don't accept late work!" Wouldn't we do that to a student? So why is it okay for us to bend the rules for adults? Oh yeah, it's the real world, how could I forget?

When you are in your career or dream job, do you sit in silence in the staff break room with your colleagues during lunch? The answer is no. Yet, we expect our students to sit quietly everyday in the lunch room. How is this teaching them "real-world" experiences?

In my career, I am most successful when I ask for advice or guidance from my co-workers. We take time to brainstorm, collaborate, and build relationships to find the best solutions to our problems. On the contrary, our students are still sitting in rows of desks, within their own minds, and not working with their team members next to them to discover the next great invention!

During staff meetings (I am guilty of this one) we talk over or during the meeting when our superior has the floor, yet if a student did the same within a classroom they would be sent to the office for being disrespectful and rude! A teacher would NEVER tolerate this type of behavior during his/her lecture, but again, it is okay for us to do as adults?

I guess, I am just confused about the "real-world" that WE all live in? I guess we need to practice what you preach or start living up to the standard that we set for our students to follow. I mean, if we are are asking an 8 year old to do it something, I think we should do the same?...right?

Also, we must realize that the "real-world" looks different at 33 than it does at 16.

Hopefully this might peek some interest or give you some thought provoking material for this evening. Whatever it it does, please understand that everything I do or write is for the good of kids. They are our future and the best investment in the world.

Keep being awesome,

Ms. Leigh Ragsdale

Young People in This Crazy World

As adults do we ever really sit down and ask ourselves what it would be like to be a young person in today's society? I obviously do because of my profession, but do I really try and put myself in their shoes? I encountered a lot of young people this summer in various areas of the country. I would ask them random questions and really try and listen to what they were really saying. I don't know if this is a new thing, as I don't have any children of my own, but I feel that most of them are misunderstood by others, but most importantly by themselves. What factors are contributing to the confusion and insecurities? How do we help in developing confident and secure children? I am starting to search for the answers and will report my findings at a later date.

With technology being at an all time high, do young people even have time to figure out who they are, and who they hope to be one day? Are we all so driven by what we look like on the outside that we are staving our insides? When is the last time that someone has looked you in the eye and asked, "how are you doing?" and really meant it? Do people ask teens about important global issues? They are are future and if they are misguided, unheard, and ignored, what does our future hold? On our social media accounts we look like we are living the dream! Snapchatting our every move, spending countless hours filtering our Instagram photos and coming up with the perfect words for our multiple statuses. Who is it for? Us? Them? Society? Will our young people even have memories about their childhood by the age of 30? Or will it be vague distant thoughts that they can barely recall? Will they remember the smells and tastes of their pasts that we now cherish as adults? I don't know the answers to any of these questions, but I hope to gain more clarity over the next few months.

It is a scary and beautiful world that we live in today and I am challenging myself to make more of an effort to incorporate face to face communication with our young people, REALLY listen to them, and reflect on what I can do to make a difference.

I hope this inspires at least one person to take the challenge of talking and listening to our young people, as they are our hope for the future!

Until next time,

Leigh M. Ragsdale

Unplug, Unwind, Ground....

Anne & Leigh after a hike...

As most of you know, I just recently accepted a new position as an Assistant Principal at Cape Central High School in Cape Girardeau, MO. I am extremely excited about the career change and can't wait to get started.....with that being said, an abundance of change is occurring. As everything in life, the only constant in our lives is CHANGE....I believe when change happens we must sit back and ride the wave! Although it is fun and challenging, it can also be scary in the same breath. New town, new digs and new routines can cause us to get frazzled at moments that should be embraced and cherished..... I am in the driver's seat of my life, so what was I going to do to give 110% of Leigh Ragsdale to the next chapter of my life?

Take a trip? EXACTLY!!!! So I decided to meet my friend Annie......





Anne left the Midwest in May to roadtrip out west. She is extremely organized and had planned everything until I met up with her. I am not a planner at ALL....which is why we are the best of friends. We have been besties for years, laugh really hard together and have the same zest for life. Once we hit Highway 1 and started up the coast, I don't think that we said one word to each other. There was a lot of gasps, moaning and jaw dropping at the beauty ahead of us and all around us....What we experienced during our short trip up the coast to Big Sur was something that will be branded in our memories forever. Pictures will NEVER do it justice, it is honestly MAGICAL!!!!

During my time in Big Sur, I was able to shut my mind off (it helped that there was absolutely no cell phone service and we were kinda off the grid)! I made so many efforts to stop, breathe, embrace and ground. I took time for myself to enjoy what was right in front at the MOMENT! Living in the moment can be a struggle for me, as I want to capture the moment instead of LIVE it...I was able to meditate and focus on what was important in life! I actually remember what it felt like to RELAX....

Sunset at Big Sur, Califo

Moral of the story....You don't have to go to Big Sur to unwind or recharge, you can do it in your own backyard, park, bedroom, car, beach, or whatever safe place that you choose. We must relax our minds to be able to give 110% to ourselves, others and the world. Take a moment, look around, breathe it in, be thankful and embrace it....





Happy Trails,

Leigh xoxo

#WestieBesties

The Power of "Why" & Positive Defiance!

Background:
Yesterday I was inspired to write this post after an intense Twitter Chat with some dynamic educators.

I tweeted, " I like to teach my students positive defiance. I embrace & celebrate the "why" everyday. Without questioning, no change can happen!"

Well my Twitter account was flooded with questions asking about positive defiance. People were wanting me to explain what I meant and that they didn't understand it.


Post:

My students ask me, "why" all of the time! It honestly doesn't bother me...I guess it doesn't because I understand that they REALLY want to know the WHY of everything that we do in class, in society and the world. As a teacher, why would I ever want to silence the "WHY"....I should be the one embracing and encouraging the WHY...Right? So I do and it is AWESOME!

So many of young people don't understand why their parents, teachers, administrators, or any other adults become offended when they ask, why? I gave them some examples of what happened when we asked why as children. Here are some typical responses:
"Because I said so"
"I am the adult"
"Children are to be seen, not heard"
"Stop being a smart ass"
"Just do it, no questions"

For those of you who have children or are teachers, you have realized that those responses to our youth no longer works with the 21st century students. It worked for me because I didn't really have any interest in finding out the why, I just would ask to get on my mom's nerves or to try to get my teacher distracted or out of work. Kids today are different, they really DO want to understand WHY, and what it the purpose. Moral of the story, when our young people ask WHY, please enlighten them:)

So after days of conversations with my students about how they are misunderstood and feel that they can't have a different outlook or opinion than an adult, I devised a plan of action. I came up with teaching them POSITIVE DEFIANCE. Some people (especially parents) may disagree completely with me on this part of my post. I am really sorry.

So, positive defiance to me and my students is simple. When something doesn't settle right with you or you think something needs to change, find a respectful way to approach the situation. If you don't understand the purpose of something and want to know what the purpose is, learn how to be sincere when asking. If they don't like the processed, cardboard cafeteria food, how can they try and change it. This way they are not sitting around complaining, but searching for a solution.

People throughout our history have used defiance to be the change in the world that we needed. We as educators need to model that for our students and encourage them to use their voices, because THEY are our future. We want dynamic leaders that strive to make the world a better place, not shy conformist that are scared of their own shadow. We must empower our students to be risk-takers and be the brave and courageous leaders of our future.

Next time that you want to know, "why"......just ask someone, they might enjoy it!

All about the LOVE today,

Leigh M. Ragsdale

How Do You Want to Leave Your Impression?

Last night was a bittersweet moment. As most of you know have been the Varsity Dance Coach of the Hillsboro Hawkettes for the past 10 years. I recently resigned from my position to focus on me and I must admit, it was the hardest decision I have EVER made. I gave my heart and soul to every girl and the program for the last 10 years of my life. Last night they had a SURPRISE reunion for me with my current dancers, alumni, my best friends, co-workers and parents. I was a beautiful occasion and a night of celebration. I honestly have been blessed with the most caring and considerate "pom moms" and dancers. They are all one of a kind.

What I realized when I was listening to all of the girls speak about memories, their experiences or "roasting" Coach Leigh, is that, they didn't care as much about dance as they did LIFE. They all spoke about life lessons that they will take with them, funny sayings that they will never forget and all of the advise that I had given them over the years. No one talked about trophies we've won, competitions that we dominated or where we placed at State. It was all about LIFE and becoming better humans.

It made me start reflecting on the HUGE impact that I've have over hundreds of young women over the past 10 years. The scary part is that they DON'T forget....even when you REALLY want them to! The awesome part is, the positive lasting impression that you get to leave with so many young women to take into the world one day and hopefully pass it along to others.

I guess what I am trying to verbalize, is what impression do YOU want to make in your life and the lives of so many others? I never really sat down and thought about it. The way that I coached them and the way I teach is just very natural and in the moment. I never plan out what I am going to say to them, I just address what is in front of us and more forward.

My heart was so full with love last night, listening to their words and reflections. Although the speeches were supposed to be about me, I couldn't help but think about all of the impressions that they had made on me. They all pushed me to love more, laugh often, and embrace the moment. They loved and accepted me for me and never questioned it. They supported all of my outlandish ideas and never strayed. They trusted my leadership and were dedicated to success. They made me a better person everyday and I had the most special job on the planet.....calling myself their coach! I am so overcome with joy and happiness reflecting on last night and the past 10 years.

Here are some comments from last night:

"Coach Leigh, you will always be in my heart"- Tara "T-Mabs" Mayberry 2014-2015
"Date em all"- Coach Leigh on dating advise
"Last time, best time" - Whenever we were only supposed to do the dance once more, and coach                                                would make us do it waaaaaaaay more than one time
"You believed in me when I didn't believe in myself"- Somer Grahm 2014-2015
"You have impacted my entire life, more than I can explain"- Tia Frauenfelder 2013-2014
"You are the most energetic, innovating, and inspiring person I know"- Kaylee Orchard 2012-2013
"You not only taught me how to be a dancer, but a young lady"- Heather Jeude 2012-2013
"You've taught me more that any other human being on the planet"-Rachel "RB" Becker 2014-2015
"You helped me grow and I use your words of wisdom to go far after graduation"- Sara Jo 2013-2014
"You made such a big impact on my life"- Tori Spooner 2015/Freshman
"All of your talents that you share with everyone makes all of us better people"- Laura Becker/Parent
"I don't know where I would be today without you"- Tara "T-Mabs" Mayberry 2014-2015
"You are my role-model and I will forever look up to you"- Lexi "LB" Baker 2014-2015
"I feel so confident and strong on a daily basis and always try to be positive and live in the moment because of what you have taught me"- Lexie Hassell (Hawkette of the Year 2014-2015)


 I have the belief that life is short, so try and enjoy every moment.  Make every moment count. Know that there is a purpose and try to embrace it at all costs. Be the BEST YOU, because that is a beautiful gift to all of us.

Always ask yourself, "What impression am I leaving behind in this beautiful world?"


Coach Leigh
2005-2015

Leigh is a Teacher, Really?

Have I always loved school, NO…I have always respected knowledge and being able to learn things that I was interested in…sure. I was a professional at “playing school”. Some may ask what that means, it is simple. I was a good kid, cute enough and had a fun loving personality that my teachers adored.  I always had good grades, mainly due to a stable home, loving parents and the art of cheating in all of my classes. I was the girl version of Eddie Haskell and thought I knew everything I needed to know and school was stupid. I was in the Honor Society, Honor Role, and leadership clubs, involved in sports…pretty much anything that I would get out of class for because I was completely BORED…..

Although I hated school I always knew that I was a leader. I knew that my education was extremely important if I wanted to go somewhere in my life. Throughout my life I have always felt that I had a calling to make a difference in the world.  I was in college and living the dream. I loved it. I could make my own schedules, my teachers didn’t care if I was there or not and most importantly most of the work was project based. I flip flopped with different majors from semester to semester. Anything from communications, to theater and then out of the clear blue, education crossed my mind. Could I really be a TEACHER?

My grandfather was a well know high school principal in our town for 30 years. He loved his students and they loved him even more in return. My mom was a teacher for my entire life and so were all of aunts. My uncle was an assistant principal and between him and my grandfather they tried their best to persuade me into going into education. I sometimes wonder if the reason that I was so reluctant was out of pure rebellion. Actually, that is exactly why. I wanted to blaze my own trail and not follow in the footsteps of my entire family. Well you know when people tell you, “You were born to do it” just take their advice because it is more than likely the right thing to do. I made the decision to become an educator and to be honest it was the BEST decision that I have ever made. I know that I change my students lives, but most importantly they've changed mine. They opened my eyes to an entirely different world. Since I start teaching I promised myself that I would dedicate everything that I had to empower and inspire my students. Becoming an educational leader has transformed my life in ways that are unexplainable.

I also made a promise to myself that I could still be the trailblazer that I wanted to be in this world within the educational system. I continue to strive to reach 21st century students and push them to believe in themselves and the power of their minds. I encourage them to become explores, investigates and risk takers. I know that I will the change and make a difference through my students. They are the heroes. They are the champions that will empower, innovate, energize and inspire the world. I am just the lucky one that gets to ride along with them. Education is the cure to the world.re the world. I am just the lucky one that gets to ride along with them. Education is the cure to the world.

Have I always loved school, NO…I have always respected knowledge and being able to learn things that I was interested in…sure. I was a professional at “playing school”. Some may ask what that means, it is simple. I was a good kid, cute enough and had a fun loving personality that my teachers adored.  I always had good grades, mainly due to a stable home, loving parents and the art of cheating in all of my classes. I was the girl version of Eddie Haskell and thought I knew everything I needed to know and school was stupid. I was in the Honor Society, Honor Role, and leadership clubs, involved in sports…pretty much anything that I would get out of class for because I was completely BORED…..

Although I hated school I always knew that I was a leader. I knew that my education was extremely important if I wanted to go somewhere in my life. Thoughout my life I have always felt that I had a calling to make a difference in the world.  I was in college and living the dream. I loved it. I could make my own schedules, my teachers didn’t care if I was there or not and most importantly most of the work was project based. I flip flopped with different majors from semester to semester. Anything from communications, to theater and then out of the clear blue, education crossed my mind. Could I really be a TEACHER?

My grandfather was a well know high school principal in our town for 30 years. He loved his students and they loved him even more in return. My mom was a teacher for my entire life and so were all of aunts. My uncle was an assistant principal and between him and my grandfather they tried their best to persuade me into going into education. I sometimes wonder if the reason that I was so reluctant was out of pure rebellion. Actually, that is exactly why. I wanted to blaze my own trail and not follow in the footsteps of my entire family. Well you know when people tell you, “You were born to do it” just take their advice because it is more than likely the right thing to do. I made the decision to become an educator and to be honest it was the BEST decision that I have ever made. I know that I change my students lives, but most importantly they've changed mine. They opened my eyes to an entirely different world. Since I start teaching I promised myself that I would dedicate everything that I had to empower and inspire my students. Becoming an educational leader has transformed my life in ways that are unexplainable.

I also made a promise to myself that I could still be the trailblazer that I wanted to be in this world within the educational system. I continue to strive to reach 21st century students and push them to believe in themselves and the power of thier minds. I encouage them to become explores, investigates and risk takers. I know that I will the change and make a difference through my students. They are the heroes. They are the champions that will empower, innovate, energize and inspire the world. I am just the lucky one that gets to ride along with them. Education is the cure to the world.

Educational PSA: My students created this about the changes that need to be made in education!

Let It GO....

So many times in our lives people tell us, " you CAN'T do that"  or "you struggle with math" or "he/she is too good for you" or "that is your dream? Why don't you come up with something more realist than that" or whatever people have said or done in your past life to tarnish your hopes and dreams....I am asking you do something for YOU.....LET IT GO....LET IT ALL GO!! Not for all of the people that said that you couldn't do it, but for YOU. You deserve all of the happiness in the world and it is not too late to make the change.

The reason for this topic is today in class I gave this lecture to my students on their first day back. I asked them to take themselves out of the school setting, out of Hillsboro, MO, forget all of the negative statements or actions that people has said or done to them and just clear their minds. I asked them to just LET GO! LET GO of all of the bad experiences and voices that hindered their educational journey. Once we worked on preparing our minds for clarity, I asked them what they wanted to learn about. It didn't have to be "school related" as school is literally just a building, something that they were curious about or wanted to explore... As always, I was shocked by how awesome their topics were.....because they were able to LET IT GO:)

Just a few examples:
Different species of animals
outer space
weather patterns and global warming
cultures of other countries
what are the needs of our local community
sailboats
Brazil
India
World Religions
food industries
Greek Mythology
myths about the world
how to code a video game
3-D printers

I find it funny when they tell me, "Ms. Leigh, no other teacher has ever asked me what I wanted to learn about before, why not?" As an educator how am I supposed to answer that? My answers wouldn't be very professional, but it boils down to teachers building relationships and knowing what their students interests actually are.  Why wouldn't teachers want to know what makes ALL of their students tick?

Moral of the story is this. We MUST break down the old mindset that every person is the same and everyone learns the same way. We HAVE to LET GO of all of the people what told us that "we can't" and continue pushing ourselves to new heights. We have to believe in ourselves to reach our hopes and dreams. Remove the little voice in your mind that is our worst enemy, and live from within your heart. Your

heart is so much more powerful than your mind and ego. Get out of your own way and be a CHAMPION!!!! YOU are AWESOME!!! To hell with everyone else....

Something to chew on for awhile!

Peace,

Leigh xoxo