Leigh Graves Wolf

A few weeks back, a former student (and incredible early childhood educator) Nora sent me the following email

On Mon, Sep 6, 2010 at 8:23 PM, Nora wrote:

http://www.fredrogerscenter.org/about/fellows/2010-2011-early-career-fellows-program/

This is a great opportunity for early career professionals in media and technology…wish I was one!  You might share and find someone interested…

Nora

After reading the description:

The Fred Rogers Center announces an exciting fellowship opportunity for early-career producers, animators, technologists, writers, artists, musicians, educators, and others, interested in creating exciting, high-quality media inspired by the legacy of Fred Rogers.  Through the ECF program, the Fred Rogers Center acts as a catalyst for innovation in media- and technology-based work that advances early childhood development and learning.

I immediately thought of Alison Keller.  Alison is a former Technology Intern in Education (TIE) and alum of our MAET program.  While working through the MAET program, she was a student assistant and teacher in our overseas Master’s program mentoring her peers in a study abroad program for pre-service teachers. I forwarded the email from Nora on to Alison.

A few minutes ago – Alison sent the link to her submission video:

In my graduation speech this summer, I mentioned “moments” – when Alison sent me the link to her video, I had another one.  I am so fortunate that I have the opportunity to interact with extraordinary educators at all stages of their careers, in all corners of the globe.  Not only do I get to interact with them, but I can create connections between them and those connections can lead to unexpected opportunities.

I keep a copy of Fred Rogers’ The World According to Mr. Rogers: Important things to Remember on my Kindle Reader. On page 30 Mr. Rogers says:

“The thing I remember best about successful people I’ve met all through the years is their obvious delight in what they’re doing and it seems to have very little to do with worldly success. They just love what they’re doing, and they love it in front of others.”

Nora and Alison are two shining examples of success that embody Mr. Rogers’ legacy and spirit – I thank you both for inspiring me! I’ll be counting down to November 15th when the Fred Rogers Fellows are announced – Alison team MAET is behind you with fingers crossed!