https://padlet.com/HaleEducation/myhaleeducation Hale believes nature, education, and recreation inspire us to learn, empower us to lead, and challenge us all to create a world in which people, place, and purpose are united. en-us 2021-09-21 15:24:57 UTC 2023-02-03 10:02:23 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-uploads.storage.googleapis.com/1360339931/873ba985383983a9da5e87a20742a925/Hale_Education_Logo___Color.png https://padlet.com/HaleEducation/myhaleeducation/wish/1758299776 Education is about pushing yourself to learn things that may not come naturally to you. It is about exposing yourself to topics and ideas that are unfamiliar. It can be challenging and uncomfortable, but education is enlightening. Ultimately education has helped me to understand how people and the world work, outside of my own bubble—and, in turn, education has allowed me to relate better to others. Education has also allowed me to build a life and a career that is not defined by my family history, but rather by my own accomplishments.

Teachers from Boston Public Schools mentored me and furthered my education through Hale Outdoor Learning Adventures (HOLA). They demonstrated how to instruct, inspire, and connect with students who have diverse needs and interests. Every day during HOLA I saw campers who experienced and embraced education in different ways—some excited, some struggling, and some ambivalent about learning. I dug into why their experiences were so different and how to better engage with them as individuals. At HOLA I cultivated a passion for public education.

While it may not be my primary career focus, through boards, active volunteerism, and thought leadership, I have and always will work toward developing a world in which all students have access to excellent education.]]> 2021-09-21 20:03:15 UTC https://padlet.com/HaleEducation/myhaleeducation/wish/1758299776 https://padlet.com/HaleEducation/myhaleeducation/wish/1758304154 Education, to me, means stretching out of my comfort zone so I can experience new things and grow as a human. I had the wonderful and unique opportunity to bring my teaching into the outdoors with Intrepid Academy at Hale.

The experience allowed me to reimagine what seat time could look like, what
assignments could be, and what the school day could include. Personally, the experience was life-giving, as I got to start off each day learning more about my students than I would have in a traditional classroom.

We supported each other on hikes and trust challenges as we were all learning new things together. We played, we laughed, and we learned. I believe those calming days of being in nature and challenging ourselves helped us transition into what would be a wild and unexpected year.

Hale gave me a safe space to bring my sons to experience nature, too. During the pandemic, we returned to Hale so they could explore beaver dams and follow streams of water, walk along the beach, or just chase each other around.

We brought friends along to share the experiences and developed more appreciation for the outdoors.]]> 2021-09-21 20:05:37 UTC https://padlet.com/HaleEducation/myhaleeducation/wish/1758304154 https://padlet.com/HaleEducation/myhaleeducation/wish/1758308684 As a two-time Team Hale marathoner, I have to work hard at being a distance runner. Unlike my teammates, I wasn’t built for speed. But I am no stranger to hard work and adversity, and lessons I learned early on as a student shaped my desire to exceed despite anyone else’s expectations. 
Education means everything to me. I recall being placed in remedial classes during middle school, and I knew I possessed within myself the faculties to perform at a higher level. It wasn’t until I entered freshman year that I had the opportunity to prove myself by taking more challenging classes.

I recall one class in particular that was transformational for me: AP Science, taught by Mr. Dallas (a professor from the University of Houston). While I learned a lot about science, it was a general principle that stuck with me: If you only learn what you already know, then you have failed. I applied that wisdom in everything from academia to athletics and instill that effort to learn something new every day.

As only the second person in my family to graduate from high school, I encouraged my children to take advantage of educational opportunities they were given. It was my oldest son, however, who turned the tables on me when he challenged me to pursue a college degree. I accepted the challenge and in 2002, at age 38, earned a degree in transformation leadership from the College of Biblical Studies.

On a recent visit to Hale, I had the chance to see HOLA in action and interact with campers. What could be better than running and raising money to help educate children? It’s why I run like Hale.]]> 2021-09-21 20:08:20 UTC https://padlet.com/HaleEducation/myhaleeducation/wish/1758308684 https://padlet.com/HaleEducation/myhaleeducation/wish/1758312744 In many ways, my son Luke is a typical 11-year-old. He cheers for the Celtics and roots against the Yankees. He plays video games and enjoys hanging out with friends. But more than anything, Luke loves biking. He learned to ride a two-wheeler before he was three, was on a dirt bike at four, and built a skills park in the back yard by seven.

He has learned to live with epilepsy and severe food allergies and has always been big for his age. When he was a toddler, strangers said he would grow up to be a linebacker. But as he got older, he became very self-conscious about being “the big kid.”

I grew up in Westwood, so I was familiar with Hale. I knew its mountain biking camp would be perfect for Luke and that miles of trails would be great exercise. His counselors taught him to pedal more efficiently and carry speed through turns, but more importantly, they demonstrated that to improve he would need to build stamina and fuel his body in the right way. Luke stays hydrated, eats better, and practices during the off-season. Each year he returns to camp more prepared. He thrives there.

During the pandemic we would go for quick rides during the day, and as soon as school was over, we would jump on our bikes and ride some more. At one point, he became my teacher and showed me how to be a better rider. Hale helped Luke build skills and get exercise, but it also taught him to make friends, accept advice, and be confident. He recently joined a football team and will indeed be a linebacker, but now, he’s ready to own it.]]> 2021-09-21 20:10:43 UTC https://padlet.com/HaleEducation/myhaleeducation/wish/1758312744 https://padlet.com/HaleEducation/myhaleeducation/wish/1758316996 Education brings to mind: Opportunity. Access. Confidence. Joy. To sum it up in one word: Promise.

Education is an active pursuit, a two-way process, where I gain or develop my knowledge, skills, mindset, character, and so on. Whether I am teaching others or receiving instruction, it helps me think, feel, and behave in a way that contributes to my success, and improves not only my personal satisfaction but also that of others in my community. I believe education not only develops my personality, thoughts, and ability to deal with others, it prepares me for—and builds my confidence for—life experiences. Education is a pathway to achievement and a critical gateway to success. 

Hale provides a forum and space for experiences that are enlightening and educational. My time on the Board of Directors has been an incredible growth experience. I learned from and with a diverse group of community members and professionals. I had steep learning curves on pursuits such as fundraising, board leadership, community outreach, strategic planning, and fiscal oversight where I had to acquire new skills. At every juncture, I found the support, encouragement and resources I needed to do so. I gained appreciation for the essential role volunteers play in strengthening and supporting an organization that provides access to innovative educational and valuable life experiences for others. 

Hale solidified what matters deeply to me and what I value doing with my time and energy. I have become part of a vibrant community of volunteers, staff, and members who are all working to help fulfill the promise of Hale. I have indeed received an invaluable education.]]> 2021-09-21 20:13:05 UTC https://padlet.com/HaleEducation/myhaleeducation/wish/1758316996 https://padlet.com/HaleEducation/myhaleeducation/wish/1758320047 Education, to me, means primarily the opportunity to have choice in my life. When I earned my bachelor's degree, I remember thinking, ‘Now I know how much I don't know.’ When I became aware of how much I don't know, that freed me up to learn more. I always wondered what it would be like to be in space or go on a spacewalk so I could fix some part of the aircraft. My experience on Hale's high ropes this summer was the closest I have ever been to the spacewalk experience. What I thought would be frightening was actually exhilarating and freeing! That is furthering my education through Hale.]]> 2021-09-21 20:14:58 UTC https://padlet.com/HaleEducation/myhaleeducation/wish/1758320047 https://padlet.com/HaleEducation/myhaleeducation/wish/1758321629 Life is full of challenges, so it’s important to be a lifelong learner. I think of education as a continuous process of exploring, taking in information, and gathering tools that help us adapt, grow, and live fulfilling lives. At Hale, I had the opportunity to collaborate with my colleagues and learned through experience. We completed tasks by strategizing, problem solving, supporting each other and reflecting afterwards. That was impactful. Creation is the highest form of learning, and I believe Hale provides that opportunity for students with their hands-on approach to learning in a beautiful setting.]]> 2021-09-21 20:15:57 UTC https://padlet.com/HaleEducation/myhaleeducation/wish/1758321629 https://padlet.com/HaleEducation/myhaleeducation/wish/1760108566 My education at Hale has been multi-faceted. Our family loves to hike and swim here, my 6-year-old just finished a summer of Hale Day Camp and I have been a member of the staff for 6 months now. I have always found peace and inspiration in the great outdoors, but having access to Hale has taught me about the strength and bravery that are inside all of us. As an employee, I have already been allowed to learn so much and been given the space to grow professionally and creatively. I feel proud of my work, both because it helps to spread the word about Hale and create greater access and equity, but also because I feel a sense of belonging and pride in the work that I do every day. Watching my children explore, take healthy risks and make friends has also been deeply satisfying. Being a parent means that you need to learn to let go a little bit at a time. Watching one of my sons boulder up a rock, identify a snake or swim more confidently on a family trip makes me feel a sense of gratitude to Hale and a sense of calm that when life gets hard, these experiences will remind my children and all of us that we can do hard things and take chances in life. ]]> 2021-09-22 13:56:03 UTC https://padlet.com/HaleEducation/myhaleeducation/wish/1760108566 https://padlet.com/HaleEducation/myhaleeducation/wish/1760677135 I still remember the first of many moments when a colleague challenged us to think about how a school's curricular framework and learning goals could be integrated with our facilitation. I knew then and there Hale was an organization that understood the importance of finding and creating truly 'teachable moments.' As we continue to reimagine learning in so many contexts, I'm excited to be part of a community that's so committed to supporting everyone's growth.]]> 2021-09-22 17:04:09 UTC https://padlet.com/HaleEducation/myhaleeducation/wish/1760677135 https://padlet.com/HaleEducation/myhaleeducation/wish/1760822231 The whole world looks different through the eyes of your children.  For me, bringing my children to Hale has reminded me of my own childhood summers, as well as new wonder at what Hale means to them.  

Until I started working here in 2016, I only knew Hale through South Beach and summer days of swimming and boating. My kids, however, have a much better sense of Hale than I did at their age. From Hale Day Camp to vacation days, beach days to scavenger hunts, they know aspects of Hale's programs and property much better than I do.

Their sense of ownership around Hale's woods and ponds, their excitement about camp adventures, and their relentless advocacy for how fun it is to come here - "Why would you want to swim in a pool when you could swim in a pond?" - all inspire me to see Hale's magic in new ways.  

I want more kids to have the opportunity to have those magic moments, to share their pride at climbing to the top of a challenge course element or passing the deep end test, and to look back on their childhoods with the same appreciation we have.  ]]> 2021-09-22 18:00:43 UTC https://padlet.com/HaleEducation/myhaleeducation/wish/1760822231 https://padlet.com/HaleEducation/myhaleeducation/wish/1763976676 My Hale education boils down to one word: confidence. 

In learning to swim here, conquering my fears on the challenge course, taking on my first job, starting the cycle all over again by bringing my kids here, and in my most recent role on the advancement team, I've seen how this place drives people to do things they didn't think they could. In my own life, I went from despising swimming class (kicking, screaming, crying on the dock), to passing every level, to taking the lifeguarding course as soon as I was old enough, to teaching dozens of lessons a week as a WSI at Membership Beach. This summer I saw that same growth in my own 3-year-old son, as with each swimming lesson he grew a little braver, jumped into progressively deeper water, and ultimately convinced himself he knows how to dive (it's definitely a belly flop, but I forbid you from telling him otherwise!). 

Now a member of the full-time staff here, I've seen how compassionate collaboration and sharing a mission can also teach confidence. Not unlike when I first tried the challenge course back in the 90s, I know I can trust in the support of my team and this broader community at every turn. 

Hale has always been pretty darn special to me, but working here has opened my eyes to how broad its reach is, and I'm proud to be a part of it.]]> 2021-09-23 20:02:08 UTC https://padlet.com/HaleEducation/myhaleeducation/wish/1763976676 https://padlet.com/HaleEducation/myhaleeducation/wish/1765841735 At Hale, I'm lucky enough to see learning take place all the time.  Children, adults, families, school groups... in so many of our programs and activities there is learning going on.  

However, on a personal level, #MyHaleEducation has been thanks to the staff and board who push this organization to be better at what we do.  I'm always learning and trying to use a creative leadership lens to the work we do.  So much of that comes from amazingly talented staff who are dedicated to furthering their own craft at Hale and as such I learn from them.  And of course, board members are so good at brining perspectives to our work from a different space.  For me, creating a learning community amongst the staff and board team is what continues to allow us to transform.  It gives us the freedom to fail and struggle.  We know that it is possible to "fail forward" even though it can be a tough process.  
Life long learning and reimagining education.  That is #MyHaleEducation.  (At least for now... I'll learn something new soon that will make me think about this slightly differently.)]]> 2021-09-24 14:34:10 UTC https://padlet.com/HaleEducation/myhaleeducation/wish/1765841735