Connecting with an amazing group of students

I get to be inspired each and every week in learning more about community development. For three hours a week I take time from working with other professionals, communities and entrepreneurs who are living their dreams or are poking their noses forward to sniff what those dreams might be and work with an amazing group of students. I’m lucky. These people have shared their learning, unease, questions and ideas through our weekly sessions.

At the end of every couple of sessions they reflect on their experience, reveal their concerns and moments of inspiration and I have the privilege of gaining insight into their lives just a touch more.

When I was asked to teach Community Development I thought it to be a great opportunity to explore a new way of building community. We decided to walk through this experience together as a community. Together we developed the outcomes for the course, the assignments and the overall course outline.

First was to open an opportunity to create our learning experience as something that would push beyond understanding community development and move to a place where we were actually living it. Some were onboard from the start, others wanted to be taught. So began the journey of community development.

We started building relationships. From finding out more about each other, to deciding what we wanted our time to look like, we started an evolution of education. I aim to revolutionize learning, to expand understanding of, create opportunities and spaces to heighten wisdom. I strive to develop leadership through innovative collaboration. With that comes framing opportunities and building cohesion together with those I'm with.

These students are entrepreneurs, friends, children, brothers, sisters, sport leaders and team players. Each belong to diverse communities from across the country, belong to golf, karate, mixed martial arts and music groups, dance, volunteering, hockey and many more. There are many ways to thrive and achieve. Resorting to traditional thought, structure and process often builds a great divide between expectations.

Outlining our expectations of each other was important for us to create a base for moving forward. Respect was number one, no surprises/communication and being fully committed in each and every session topped our list. Challenging ideas, information and process as we sculpted our David was encouraged.



Now, more than half way through the term, concerns over marks and projects are at the forefront. We agreed that both students and I would evaluate including comments as to why. We discuss and come to agreement on grades. Sure some may take advantage, others embrace the design as necessary reflection to amplify learning and become exceptional. And exceptional they are. It’s difficult for a number of people because of uncertainty. Sharing self-evaluation means laying your cards on the table, trusting. This discomfort is common.

Some people are more objective than others, some harder on themselves, some defensive, some don’t trust, others just don’t care or have other priorities. Admitting shortcomings, even those that begin with great intentions, is refreshing and thorny. Celebration is rejuvenating nonetheless forgotten. Trust is straightforward, open and exposed, still may be complicated.

I work with an amazing group of students who teach me through their words, written comments, presence, smiles, sighs, chatter, wisdom, challenge and private gatherings. This remarkable group of students has connected with other students, groups, and organizations. They will continue to shape my lifework as I connect, build relationships, community and company. This extraordinary group of people is an anthology of amazing individuals with whom I’ll continue to connect and connect with. I am lucky and humbled by the amazing.