Tonight, yet again, we have seen the tremendous ability and depth of the people we are so lucky to have made this journey with. Gayle, your presentation came from the heart and I am sure it has touched all of us deeply in many ways. I have spent some time among the Cheyenne, Black Feet, Washkos, and Piautes, and worked summer fire crews with other nations. You bring to a strong voice many things they would only hint at in the camps and on the fire line. Your work will go a long way to help with the process of changing the mindset of the anglo.

Dana, if we could only see each of these students in his or her own light, to find that special fire within each of them. When it happens there is a transformation that makes one very proud to have had a hand in it and to be called "my teacher and my friend". The things you have found and are developing will help to make sure that no one is missed and that all know there is something "out there" for each of them.

Man, you folks sure make it fun and interesting to learn stuff...

-- Anonymous, May 13, 1999

Answers

Thursday was a very emotional class for me, for many reasons. First, when I began my thesis project I wanted to chose something that I could feel passionate about I feel I have done that However, after listening to your presentation Gayle, you really have passion about you subject. Thanks for reading Charlin's article. I always thought that was a good one. I also had strong feelings of relief after finishing my presentation and knowing that this process of acquiring my master's degree will soon be over. I was talking to a friend of mine tonight and she said, "Weren't we just talking about you maybe considering working on a master's and now it's almost over?" As I thought about that I realized that it has gone by quickly but with so much learning along the way. Thanks to all of you for you attentiveness and interest in my topic. I appreciate all the resources you have passed on to me. Dana

-- Anonymous, May 14, 1999

Hello All, I haven't had a min. these last weeks to even read my e-mail, let alone respond to this site....many naughty little kids as the year comes to an end you know....but, now is the time to add my two cents worth. I really can not believe that two years have gone by and that we are at the end. I feel like crying. Perhaps it is the emotional release of being done or perhaps it is that I truely will miss you all and the time that we have spent together. Frank was right when he said that as we get older we become more isolated. I never would have dreamed how my life would change when my kids left home...you all have filled a very real need in my life, and for your friendship and support I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I have learned and grown so much because of you all and your knowledge. It has been an pure pleasure folks....yesterday at Frank and Diannes was wonderful...I would love to have you all at my house next...lets set a date. See you on Thurs. Jackie

-- Anonymous, May 17, 1999

Since, Thursday and even before then, I have been thinking about my presentation and my thesis. I had talked to one teacher the day before my presentation. She asked me if anyone could come to listen. I said,Sure, thinking she wanted to come. But she had wanted her building principal to come listen and learn. She's been having a very rough year. Dana, you probably could have interviewed these teachers for your study. They certainly have had to be resilient! I really admire the teachers I interviewed in light of everything they've gone through and are still going through.

I have a lot more I could tell. Let me tell you what happened to me on Friday. I was telling someone, I was getting my Master's degree. I only have one class session and my paper left to do. Damn!(I get to swear once in a while) if that person didn't say to me "Masters! What are you doing being and aide?" I know I'm not a classroom teacher, but I bet that no other reading teacher in this district has been mistaken for anything else, but a teacher.

Ed asked me if things have changed since I was in school. I quickly answered "no". Maybe I shouldn't have said no. But I think of Tom Peacock also saying, "American Indian kids are still having the same experiences I had as a child." So, the system hasn't changed much (remember the dragon simile), but individual teachers have and can make a difference in their students' lives.

One other thing, I think is pretty amazing when I think about it is that, I can remember everything these teachers have told me without referring to my written notes. It's all here. How about that, Dana? One more thing. The certificate, Rebecca and Ann gave, reminds me of the lion in Wizard of Oz (my boys like the lion), when he says "Courage!"

-- Anonymous, May 17, 1999

I only hope our presentation this Thursday can be half as wonderful as the presentations we have heard so far. As I reflect back on my journey these past 2 years, it was not until January that I became the owner and operator of this technology called email and internet. Now I have begun to feel as if I was truly on my way and accomplishing something. Learning a new skill is exciting and compelling.

Gayle, I was in awe --- all the research you have done and the way you told the story...and your story. I know you need time now to spend with your family and process all that has gone on in your heart and mind. But I am sure the rest of the cohort will agree that you were meant to go on, to continue the story. You are an elder.

Dana, I find your topic intellectually fascinating and personally painful. As a resilient "survivor", I could agree with the qualities your research mentioned. I remember a middle school counselor commending me for my flexibility and problem-solving and how proud I was.

It would be interesting to know if the female vs. male resiliency model has been reviewed and restudied in the last 10 years. My feelings tell me that it is still the female who has the greater chance of "developing" resiliency. I also feel resiliency is like "giftedness" in children. It is like a disease that may not necessarily develop. It is not just nature, but nurture as well. It depends on the child's environment. As harsh as it may seem, I think that no matter what is done, some will not survive and nothing we do will "make" them resilient. However, if we do nothing, we will not help the ones who may have a chance to develop the traits and coping skills needed to succeed in life. Your work is very important. It would be fascinating to blend it with the work being done in Early Childhood. How's that for a doctorate?

-- Anonymous, May 17, 1999

I don't know if anybody is going to read this entry, but I just want you to know that I am very glad I've been part of this cohort. It has been a very positive experience. I've learned so much from all of you. After these two years my approach towards education has changed. It has changed in a positive way though. I am glad I am in this field. This cohort has taught me and showed me the MANY different ways teachers reach and touch students lives, how important our role as teachers is. The media, many times tend to portray teachers in a negative way. I go to many schools and have talked to many teachers, and I haven't met a teacher yet that I can say he/she doesn't like his/her job, or wonder why is he/she a teacher?. All of you have shown throughout these two years how committed, how much you love and enjoy your profession, and you have transmitted those feelings to the rest of us. Thank you very much.

-- Anonymous, May 19, 1999

Courage is certainly a word that comes to mind when I think of the solo flights Gayle and Dana have completed. I know I was able to be successful with the help of my group. Gayle and Dana succeeded because of individual efforts. Their passion for their topics was clearly demonsteir presentations that moved us all. I know I will look at my students differently because of both of their presentations. I hope they chose to share their research with other educators. I have benefited greatly from the diversity and expereinces of the cohort members and from the research topics. We need to keep in touch. We need to share our experiences in order to learn and grow from them. Thank you for sharing so openly with me.

-- Anonymous, May 19, 1999