Sunday, November 26, 2017

In The Beginning...An Introduction To Service!

"In The Beginning..."  Famous words to start a blog with.  I have been all over the world, seen all kinds of places, and ultimately made my way back to becoming an educator.  Here is how it started:




As a Citizen-Soldier for over 20-years, the thought of putting others first has always had appeal.  I originally joined the Army Reserves in college to help with the bills.  I wanted to be a soldier, and from an early age I had a duty to country as well.  There is a military tradition in my family, and I am sure most of you can relate to these conditions.  Most of us can also relate to the dramatic change in our attitudes toward military service in a post-911 world.  I left family, and jobs, to serve overseas like many others.  It was, as is commonly described by my brothers and sisters, the transition back that was hardest.





Coming back to a swirling landscape of career paths, additional education required to catch-up, and the need to be understood by people who had not served was stressful.  It was especially hard when I retired from military service and found myself on the outside of system looking in.  I missed the direct contact that came with being “in”.  I could no longer share the common bond of service that others who are still in have.  While we have shared experiences, my duty was at an end, and there was a hole left in it’s place.  I truly miss the camaraderie, training, and focus that came from service.






I found a new way to serve.  Troops to Teachers, a local college, and some fantastic mentors put me on a path to becoming an educator in the Philadelphia area.  I also turned my need to lead into a passion for coaching sports, clubs, and scouting.  The combination of these areas has had a profound effect on me, and my relationships.  It fills the gap left from my time of service.  I believe it is the best use of my skills and resources, and I encourage any member of the armed forces to try it.  I have taught STEM Engineering and Computer Science in the Philadelphia area since 2009..  I am currently teaching Middle School technology classes to help prepare students to use the digital tools that will serve them far into High School and beyond.  The planning and implementing of the curriculum, and the effective communication and sharing of methods and ideas with colleagues is very similar to working in a company, platoon, and squad size element.






Coaching sports allows me to help develop physical skills, agility, and leadership in kids.  Scouting allows me to stay in touch with the outdoor skills like camping, survival, first-aid, and orienteering.  The combination of all three allows me to keep sharp, and pass on, knowledge that I feared would slowly sink away into the abyss of time.  I also get to spend time with family at most of the events.  Most of all, it is the mentor relationship that I hope to have, in various degrees, with people in my community that fills the void where service once filled.  Being mentored by others (head coaches, scout leaders, school administrators), and mentoring others has added a dimension to my life that I thought I could not get back when I left the service.




Blogging here is also helpful.  I want to be available to those who have served our country, educators who need help adding or implementing technology in their programs, or anyone who is trying to find their way out of darkness.  I will post more topic, or skill specific, posts in the future here.  Requests are always welcome.  I have taken a path with my life, and I would be happy to share the route map, pitfalls, or keys-to-success so far with any of you.

Posted by at

UN Global Sustainability Goals Project Map

Word Counter For Text

This free script provided by JavaScript Kit

Integrity (13 Characteristics)

13 Characteristics of People Who Have Integrity

1. They Value Other People's Time: They value their own time so they also value the time of other people. They know you have plenty of other places you need to be and won’t hold you up. If you spend time with them, it is likely they will thank you for that as well.

2. They Give Credit Where It Is Due: They do not take credit for things they did not do. They will always credit those who deserve it. If you help this person with a project he or she will likely mention your name so you can take credit for your work.

3. They Are Authentic: They are their truest forms. You won’t catch them in a lie or being fake.

4. They Are Always Honest: They are honest people that feel no need to lie as it is important for them to get to where they need to get in life honestly.

5. They Never Take Advantage Of Others: They are not the kind of people who will take advantage of someone else. They love to build people up and help them get where they need to be. Taking too much from someone else will never be an issue with someone who has a lot of integrity.

6. The Do Not Argue Over Disagreements: They will talk through things in a civil manner or not talk at all. You cannot and will not force this person into arguing over something completely ridiculous. I find this to be a very respectable trait.

7. They Give Most People The Benefit Of The Doubt: They try to see the good in everyone. I think this is because they feel like maybe there are more people in this world that also have integrity. That being said, if you take advantage of them too much they will get rid of you.

8. They Know When Something Is Bothering Someone: They have a great intuition that lets them know when something is going on. If someone is down in the dumps they will notice. Chances are they will actually do what they can to cheer you up.

9. They Believe In Others: They accept your word as truth until it is dis-proven. That being said, they do not take lying well. And once you lie to them, it is unlikely that they will ever take your word again.

10. They Apologize First: If they have done something wrong they will come to you and apologize. This is just how they are. They own up to their mistake and try to make things right.

11. They Are Humble: They do not quite know their own worth. While they are very important and do so much good they don’t quite see it. You should remind them of it.

12. They Do Good When They Can: They are always helping other people. They love to know that they have improved someone’s life. It gives their lives meaning.

13. They Are Always Kind To Those Who Need It: Giving kindness can go a long way. When someone looks like they need a little pick me up these people deliver. They can brighten up almost anyone’s day.

If you are someone who has true integrity, thank you for being who you are and thank you for all that you do. You really do actually make a difference in society, please keep up the good work. If you feel no one else is proud of you, know that I am.

Total Pageviews