New Ideas

Throughout the semester, I was definitely one of the ones who had a hard time opening up with people. I still don't know that I've completely let myself go in this class like Brother Grant is always encouraging us to do. I think part of this is due to strong leaders, and part of it is due to my passive nature. I feel like this happened to a lot of people in this class, but I also feel like I understand the vision as do many other who were a little more on the quiet side. This class really challenged me though, and i'm grateful for it. I enjoyed all the activities, but i feel like I've had to work much harder to see the unity in the class than anticipated. With so many different personalities, it's been difficult at times for us to come to a consensus on a lot of things, but I think that's good because it's made us appreciate being unified that much more. All of the activities, especially the ropes course, really got me out of my comfort zone and I'm really grateful for that. I really don't like putting myself out there, but there were so many people there trying to help me out and make me believe I could do it. I think the thing I've gained from this class learning to trust other people and being trusted. I've never been able to trust people very easily, and this class definitely tested me. I feel like I could trust any person in this class with anything I needed, even now that it's over.

I feel like I'm trying to put a label on just one thing that I learned, but this class was so much more than that. There are so many life lessons to be taken and taught to our children and classrooms. Everything Brother Grant did had a unified goal which is what the whole point of this blog was. Life isn't about us as individuals. It's about doing all that we can to lift others and once we do that we'll truly become Christ like. If we can just lose ourselves in our work and become one with the people around us, taking what we've learned outside this class, I think we will begin to achieve what Brother Grant has been trying to teach us all semester.

I don't want to forget to mention how important children's literature can be in the lives of kids. I've gained a much greater understanding of the power it has and what it can do for young lives. So many good lessons can be learned from books and empower children to be great.

This class has been wonderful. Though there have been times of frustration, maybe some hurt feelings, and giving up what you wanted as an individual, I think it's fair to say we came out much stronger because of these difficulties. I'm so grateful for the opportunities and learning experiences I've had as well as the great friends I've made. Thank you everyone, especially Brother Grant!

Shelby Anderson