Radio Girls Podcasts!

  Working in colaboration with my Gr.8 students we have created 16 podcasts about our  journey to discover new experiences in Calgary! Come and hear the podcasts and share in our unique experiences April 11, 2013 at Alice Jamieson Girls’ Academy!

Podcast Listening Party!

   Over the last few months, I have been working tirelessly with my current Gr.8 students to create podcasts.  Their mission was to go out into Calgary and expand their worldview.  They had 20 tasks to complete ranging from trying a new type of ethnic cuisine to taking a new form of transportation.  It was amazing to see my students tackle new experiences head on and look for ways to explore everything Calgary has to offer! Too often we fail to see the wonder and beauty that’s in our own backyard so it has been awesome to have the chance to see Calgary through a new light!

We partnered with Calgary 2012 GIGYYC and Danielle Nerman from CBC Radio to be able to create 16 podcasts! We will be sharing each of these stories this Thursday, April 11, 2013 at Alice Jamieson Girls’ Academy at 7pm.  We look forward to seeing you there!

Inspirational Monday: Culture Hub

  Tinto Tintero is a cultural hub in Medellin, Colombia.  I was so impressed to hear how Dave, a former teacher has, with the help of his partner, Monica, started a business model that is not only financially successful but is also making their community a better place!  They have found a way to merge their passion for art, culture, literature and music all within one location.  Through their efforts, they are transforming their community by providing opportunities for culture and offering a diverse array of options for entertainment throughout the week.  But it is not only culture they are offering but also a public space devoted to building a strong sense of community.

Inspirational Monday: Love Cafe – Cafe Converso

Well after spending the whole day trying to upload the Inspirational Monday I can relate to Thomas Edison when he said “ I have not failed. I’ve just found 10000 ways that won’t work.”  I found it hard today to keep pressing on but I believe that this story is so important and I want to others to see how doing something so simple like smiling or being welcoming can make the world a better place.  After doing this all day though, I am very excited to leave the hostel and go in search of something with lots of chocolate! Andres and Diana, the owners of Cafe Converso, declared themselves my first friends in Bogota and they may never know how much that meant to me.  They helped me to feel welcome and loved when I was wondering if I was doing the right thing. I will be forever grateful to them for helping me to remember why I am doing this and for reminding me of what I know to be true -- there are good people everywhere, we just have to be brave enough to seek them out! Today is family day back home.  My mom prayed for me before I left that I would find family everywhere I went and I believe I have found it here in Colombia.

Inspirational Monday: Creating Great Public Space

 This week I met with Calgary author, Chris Turner who is making his city better by writing and speaking about the importance of great public spaces.  He is a unique voice in the world of urban development and climate issues since he focuses on hope rather than the doom and gloom ,choosing to emphasize positive change.  His solutions, success stories and insights into the ways that individuals and small groups can make positive change in their communities provides hope for improving cities!