Day 2 was a very busy day for me. Reflecting on it already a week later, I still am in disbelief that CrossRoads happened for me. Like most days, it was the simple moments that proved to be the most meaningful for me. Walking into breakfast, I immediately gravitated to the man all by himself at a table. Like everyone else, he immediately started to share about himself and inquire about me. I really enjoyed talking with Adam about his university which hosts the in-person Pathfinders. I feel I found a kindred spirit in Adam who started as a middle school teacher and now impacts educators in Indiana and beyond. Walking to the InfoSys Campus, I reconnected with Emily and Kristin to learn more about what they are doing in Tennessee. |
After presenting at our panel, I was able to sit in the Sparking Interest breakout before I was scheduled to do a video recording about the American Dream with the Milken Foundation.
One of my favorite parts of the day was visiting the vendors garage. Being able to talk with some of the people behind the products and PD that I experienced this summer and to be able to thank them for what they are doing was very important for me. The Micro:Bit Champions application had just opened so I wanted to share with Katie Henry and Gareth Stockdale has much I love using the Micro:Bit with my students. | |
Prior to dinner, Colleen texted and asked if I still wanted to go on a hike. I was already in my dress which I quickly switched to hiking attire that would blend under my dress for later. The hike was beautiful but the company and conversation were even better. Arriving a the Papago Heritage Center, we ran into Nick. Nick I had immediately gravitated to earlier in the day with his flashing Micro:Bit name tag. I loved having time to see the natural beauty and learn more about Nick and Colleen's passion for mountain biking. Our conversations had nothing to do with CS and Making and everything to do with learning more about each other. | |
The reception was beautifully done. I had another great conversation with John Pearce and was able to meet Casey O'Shea while walking around the heritage center before dinner. Not only did I learn more about what each of them is doing with Making and CS but I also now have several future places I would like to visit - Sedona is on the list. The keynote for dinner was inspiring. The dinner was fabulous and the companionship fantastic. It was a day filled with many conversations and so much learning. I hit my bed after a full day but not before capturing the oranges in the courtyard of our hotel. |