✏️ Do Now: "Who Owns the Learning?" by Kemika Long

Think back to a time when you took charge of your own learning, maybe in school, work, or life.

klong198 — 2025-08-03 23:36:08 UTC

What made you take initiative?
How did it feel to be in control?

Do Now

2025-08-05 16:17:35 UTC

1) I took initiative in college when I requested, pushed for, and was awarded an independent study class.

2) It felt empowering to be in control of my education.

I took initiative of my own leaning because I needed to learn more on top of what I am already learning.

2025-08-05 16:18:28 UTC

It felt fulfilling.

Edwards

2025-08-05 16:18:54 UTC

A time when I took charge of my learning was when I became a teacher. I was able to learn and grow but make my lessons interactive the way I saw fit for myself and my students.

Do Now

2025-08-05 16:18:57 UTC

A time that made me take control of my own life was when I felt my own life slipping and getting out of control in school. I felt as though I needed to collect myself and put a plan together to get myself back on track. In the end, I felt as though I succeeded

French

2025-08-05 16:19:05 UTC

It felt good that I was prepared, but also felt un appreciated. Because no one thought to give me the help that I needed.
I took initiative because, I would of be unprepared while waiting for others.

2025-08-05 16:19:08 UTC

I was ahead of my Math class, so I would skip ahead in the book and teach myself the lessons. I was bored waiting for everyone else to catch up. Finished Middle School as Valedictorian.

1st Grade

2025-08-05 16:19:11 UTC

When my husband was in the military we moved quite a bit so I didn’t initially prioritize my education and career but I decided to take initiative because I didn’t feel satisfied where I was at in my life so I did something about it and went to finish my bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education.

It felt great to be in control of the goals I had and wanted to achieve.

2025-08-05 16:19:24 UTC

When I was moved in my position at school, I hadn’t received training on my new curriculum, so I was unsure of what to do. In order to be able to internalize lessons, I decided to join online trainings to help me out more and to learn the curriculum

2025-08-05 16:19:28 UTC

1) it was a self paced online program.

2) overwhelming until I found a system.

2025-08-05 16:19:39 UTC

I had no choice because my siblings were dependent on me And I was not willing to let them down.
It was scary to be in control when my life was structured and planned out for me by someone else and now I had to make all my own decisions and decisions for my siblings.

2025-08-05 16:19:43 UTC

At my previous campus, we had transitions in leadership during the year and nobody to own state testing initiatives. Although I had never been a testing coordinator for STAAR, I reached out to colleagues, attended trainings and ultimately was able to execute Interim Assessments and the actual STAAR. I felt empowered and confident.

2025-08-05 16:19:45 UTC

1. I took initiative because it is something that is was really interested in and want to improve at this task

Once i seen progress it motivated me even more to get even better and eventually teach others

1. What made me take initiative was inspiration and the objective to learn something new

2025-08-05 16:19:50 UTC

it felt very fulfilling and rewarding to independently have a new skill

I took initiative when I realized no one else was going to do it for me.

2025-08-05 16:19:54 UTC

Math JG

2025-08-05 16:19:55 UTC

I took charge of my own learning in college when I took Calculus 2. I didn’t understand so I went to all the teacher offices hours no matter what I had planned.

I felt empowered! I understood the process after awhile and was ready for the final !

Do Now

2025-08-05 16:20:08 UTC

What made me take initiative of my own learning was when I needed to become better at math. I would watch videos, study, and make note sheets in order to be successful in the subject.
Being in control feels awesome. You can only count on yourself to find the outcome, which makes it easy to work hard and get the outcome you want/desire.

2025-08-05 16:20:11 UTC

I’m currently in a chapter of my life where I am embracing “what if it works out?” In this chapter I find myself leaning in more to sacrifice and accountability. All of this I am leaning into because a small business can’t run itself.

1. I took initiative at work because hard work, excellence and ambition is something that's important to me on the job.

2025-08-05 16:20:11 UTC

I enjoy being in control of my own destiny.

I took initiative of my own learning when I realized that I am responsible for my own success/expanding my own knowledge.

2025-08-05 16:20:13 UTC

I took a charge of of my own learning when I started learning international relations via Diplomatic Academy platform. My employer made and encouraged me to take this initiative and it felt quitr well because I was controlling the time.

2025-08-05 16:20:16 UTC

Math

2025-08-05 16:20:37 UTC

To make a meaning change. Felt stress-releasing.

AP of Culture and Climate

2025-08-05 16:20:37 UTC

What made me take initiative was my faith. I felt that this was something I was meant to do and that I was already provided with the necessary tools within my self to be successful.

I actually feel control by releasing control. Knowing I just need to be the best version of myself possible was very freeing for me.

2025-08-05 16:20:46 UTC

The time I took control of my learning was in college. I needed help in my college math class. I went to the Math lab to seek out help and got it . I didn’t feel anything because it’s normal for me to advocate for myself or search for the help I need.

Dj

2025-08-05 16:20:52 UTC

I took initiative of my own learning in college while dealing with my communication . I would be known as a hot head amongst my friends and too trusting.

It felt as if I had more energy because I’m not conflicting with anyone nor am I giving my energy to people who secretly disliked me.

Mr. Clark

2025-08-05 16:20:53 UTC

I am a life long learner. My past time is to watch history documentaries while drawing, creative writing, or playing video games. My interest in history made me take initiate in expanding what I know about that subject. I seek out documentaries on topics I am not so knowledgeable about. It feels nice to be in control of my learning, I don’t feel like I’m being pressured or forced to learn more so it is fun.

2025-08-05 16:20:56 UTC

I took initiative when I lead in a capstone project because I had some good ideas and want to make sure everyone shows their potential. I felt accomplished to be in control.

Do Now

2025-08-05 16:21:00 UTC

I took initiative of my learning in college when I finally got diagnosed with severe ADHD. Once my doctor and I came up with a plan, I began to be so much more organized, focused, and productive. I finally felt like a “good” student.

1. When I became a mom because failure was not an option.

2025-08-05 16:21:01 UTC

I would not say I took control but I took ownership.

2025-08-05 16:21:10 UTC

After completing my degree, I felt that there was still much more to learn — and not just in my field, but all fields. I always felt school learning to be constraining and set to teach myself through reading, and now I have a set routine/book stacking method that helps me learn freely (and for free) to this day. It felt empowering to create a way to learn for myself.

2025-08-05 16:21:19 UTC

Opening a new school
Scary, exciting, and interesting to find new systems and/or use existing ones.

Agency in Learning

2025-08-05 16:21:24 UTC

A time when I took charge of my own learning was when I was in high school. I chose to take Spanish AND French my sophomore year. After that I did everything I could to take language classes. I begged my parents to let me take Italian classes at the community college. I continued learning languages on my own. This lead me to learn Arabic and later chose Arabic as one of my majors.
It felt empowering to be in control of my learning. I think it helped me develop my sense of agency and sovereignty as a scholar.

2025-08-05 16:21:25 UTC

When I was finishing my last semester at PV, I had to get various approvals so that I could finish in the spring instead of summer. I took that initiative because I had a job in New York and was planning to move by August, and I still wanted to walk. It would’ve been more difficult to finish in August and travel back and forth before starting my position.

It felt conflicting to be in control. On one hand I had people and staff who were supportive of my efforts, and on the other I had Deans who did not believe I would be successful.

Do Now:

2025-08-05 16:21:26 UTC

A time I took ownership of my learning was during the summer, there are many professional development opportunities that enrich the classroom instruction.

2025-08-05 16:21:34 UTC

I had the need to take charge of my own learning because I was not getting the adequate support in the way that I needed or desired.

Although control comes with added responsibility, I enjoy the freedom that also comes as the payment.

2025-08-05 16:21:36 UTC

I was very intentional about going beyond my parents educational levels so I took initiative by gaining certifications, BS Degree, and my Masters degree.
Being in control gave me a certain since of responsibility for my destiny.

When I went back to school to finish my Master degree, It was great achieving my goals.

2025-08-05 16:21:40 UTC

As a student teacher in Cleveland, I didn’t get support from my mentor. I took initiative because I knew I couldn’t wait around.I had to step up for my students and for myself

2025-08-05 16:21:43 UTC

It was hard, but empowering. I learned to rely on myself, and it made me a stronger, more confident teacher.

2025-08-05 16:21:47 UTC

Stepping up in my grade level and position was a great feeling. It was rewarding to see how much others depended on me and recognized my efforts. The positive feedback and simple thank-yous truly meant a lot.

What made you take initiative?

2025-08-05 16:21:53 UTC

I took initiative because I saw a need that wasn’t being met and realized I had the ability to help. Whether it was a problem that others hadn’t noticed or something everyone avoided, I felt responsible to step up. I value teamwork and progress, so when I see something that can be improved, I like to act rather than wait for someone else to do it.

2.It felt empowering to be in control. I was able to guide the situation, make decisions, and help things run smoothly. It gave me confidence and showed me that I can take responsibility and make a difference when needed.

Do Now

2025-08-05 16:21:59 UTC

I took initiative because I wanted to finish my degree.

I had to have timelines

2025-08-05 16:22:00 UTC

I needed to take the initiative of my learning because no one else was going to step up and help me. I also need to know what classes I needed to take to graduate on time.

I felt like I had to make a tough choice. It wasn’t the choice I liked but I had to make the decision that will get me to where I needed to go.

I held myself accountable in learning and obtaining valuable information . It’s imperative for me to be knowledgeable on the correct procedures on how to perform the task at my workplace .

2025-08-05 16:22:01 UTC

I feel empowered and successful, like a boss in my field 😅

I took the initiative because I wanted to learn and grow. It felt hazy and freeing to be in control.

2025-08-05 16:22:01 UTC

I took initiative once at work when I felt like I didn’t have enough training. So I went to my colleague and asked for help and asked to shadow.

2025-08-05 16:22:45 UTC

I felt empowered. I knew at that time that my learning was in my hands.

Taking Charge of my own learning

2025-08-05 16:23:07 UTC

When I was chosen to study abroad, it felt like a jumping out of a plane but it was rewarding

I took initiative at work by advocating for student that wasn’t receiving the proper services. It was rewarding to be able to stand up for something that I believe in.

2025-08-05 16:23:29 UTC

Build relevance

2025-08-05 16:24:33 UTC

I took charge of my learning when I saw that my old strategies weren’t reaching every student.

I’ve taught for years, but I knew I could still grow.

I started exploring new methods and tools.

I joined workshops and observed other strong teachers.

I wanted to stay effective and responsive.

Taking initiative felt empowering.

It reminded me that learning never stops—even for teachers.

Being in control helped me stay passionate and sharp in my work.

Do Now

2025-08-05 19:07:37 UTC

Taking initiative: What made me take initiative was when I realized that I would have to take on a leadership role if I didn't want to physically march for my high school band team. I felt like I had a lot of autonomy as well as flexibility to my schedule in highschool since I was not required to commit my time to be physically marching.