In the spring, my colleague approached me about being a presenter at the MASSW annual conference in the fall. I was stressed in the spring (and yet, I had NO idea what stress was). I thought about it and said "what the heck" and submitted my application. I did not think that it would be approved or accepted. I decided that I would teach this:
Abstract: Teens have a lot to balance in their lives, their developmental task is to achieve independence and define their self worth, and our job is to support them in making the safe and healthy choices. One of the best ways to reach these kids in the fast paced world is to provide them with life skills in a group setting, where they can learn and practice these critical skills. In today’s day and age, teens need to learn how to set limits, manage stress without succumb to pressure of drugs and learn to communicate needs and feelings. The most effective groups are ones that include ways that are multi modal, incorporating a variety of learning styles and includes small group breakouts. This learning session will involve how to build these groups, ways to break information down in multi modal ways and hands on experience of a group activities.
You know, sounds fun doesn't it. So weeks went by and school ended and I did not hear anything, so I assumed (Ha ha) that it was not approved. And then My life went roller coaster insane crazy. Then at the start of School in September, I got an email, with a brochure announcing me. Yes, Me. As a presenter at the Annual Conference in Grand Rapids in October. Yep, you heard me, Me. In Grand Rapids. Presenting at a conference about the above abstract. HOLY SH*&(@#*$(@*$U!
I panicked. Like a hair pulling, fetal position, panic. I had to be away from my family, a man that is struggling to take care of himself, leave him in charge of my two children for a three days?! What was I thinking?! I wanted to back out of it, and I could have because she knew (the coordinator) what was happening to me, but the brochure was printed and people have been expressing interest in my presentation. What presentation?! I now have to write a PRESENTATION?!
So needless to say, I have more stress than I can handle right now, I want to cry nearly every day with how tired I am. Everyone is being so wonderful with their support and prayers. Steve is struggling in so many ways, the girls are still so little, so right now I am physically, emotionally and spiritually the strongest one in my family. I am okay, I am up to the task of taking care of my family because God is giving me the strength to do this. I have perspective that it could be so much more worse and that we will be okay in the end. Even if the journey will be bumpy and crazy.
But now I have to write a presentation...
So, want to help me, many are asking how can they help me... any ideas of how to write a presentation about teaching professional social workers ways to build an educational support group for at risk teens, utilizing multi modal learning, while incorporating a variety of learning styles and implementing small group breakouts.
Any one?
Please....
What was I thinking?!
May God bless you with perspective and a sense of humor. May God grant you the wisdom to see into the future to see what your life holds you so that your decisions today will not change your life tomorrow. Amen.
Again, woman plans God Laughs and laughs and laughs.
Ha Ha
Kendra
Fresh Green Beans with Parmesan Cheese
8 years ago
2 comments:
OK, I can be absolutely ZERO help with the presantation. But if you need someone to watch the girls while you are at the conference, now that I could do! I have vacation time to take at work, so don't even worry if it runs into week days. And if you need to present you presentation to someone, I could sit and listen and give feedback, and I am a good proofreader if that helps at all. I'm grasping at straws for anything I can do. And you already know that I am a praying like mad!!
Get some chocolate.... some iced tea (caffiene free, please) and let's get at it! I have harrassed enough social workers to have some idea of what you do..... let's get to work! Call me! PS, Jason thinks it's about time to start the housekeeping swap.... I think it is our turn to be cleaned! :)
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