Then…after months of seeing it sit there…on the desk…and seeing them use it for various school assignments, I got curious. I was actively involved in Toastmaster’s International (a great organization, by the way) and I was spending a lot of my free time writing and delivering speeches (a long time passion) I began to think, ”hey…I could plot out my speeches on the computer and maybe that would save me some time.” I had no idea what the program was called or anything about how it worked. I just knew that typing on a computer keyboard seemed faster and easier than typing on an old typewriter or writing longhand.

I began to use the computer for this purpose. I knew it was important to click the little “disk” button to save my work (I had heard this from the kids) but had no concept of where the work was being saved or how to retrieve it the next time I needed it. I relied on my children to help with that. I was just getting on board the train…ticket in my hand…no idea where I was traveling.

About 1997, the Internet came to Newberry. A friend told me that e-mail was the next best thing to sliced-apple pie. Apple pie being my favorite, my curiosity was piqued! I signed us up for Internet access immediately! My kids were happy…the train I was on started to roll out of the station. I still had no idea where I was going.

I started using e-mail to correspond with friends from Toastmasters around the country and family who lived in far-away places. I got comfortable with sending and replying and religiously checking my Inbox. I looked forward to seeing how many messages I would find and if any new messages had arrived. The train was now moving along nicely, but I still had no idea about my destination.

In 1997, my relationship with a particular person in my life at the time was really turning sour. After much counseling, talking, and real honest-to-goodness soul-searching, I realized that the relationship was over and that I HAD to get back to a happier place in my life, both pragmatically and emotionally. I picked up speed, right along with the train as I delved deeper into e-mail! Now, I was the one constantly on the computer…checking e-mail and getting more and more comfortable with the “new age of computers.” The train is really moving now…but at a steady clip…comfortable…smooth…no jerking…nothing to harsh. Destination: still unknown to me.

In April of 1998, I made the move back to the Lower Peninsula…to Dansville. I looked for a job, got enrolled at MSU through Lifelong Learning and spent every possible minute on the computer. I thought to myself one day, “wouldn’t it be nice if I could find a job that encompasses the things I am most good at and am most interested in…speaking, motivating, communication and my new love of computers.” The next day in the newspaper there was an ad for a job that read something like this: “Do you have good communications skills? Do you have training experience? Are you interested in computers? New Horizons Computer Learning Center wants you!” I thought I’d died and gone to heaven! I sent my résumé, got called for an interview and got offered the job, and began working for them in June! Now the train really begins to roll! In six months I learn no less than 40 different software applications at all levels of difficulty (beginning to advanced), I teach them all to complete strangers from all walks of life each day, and at this point, the train bolts into almost warp speed. Oh…and by the way…I also buy a house, get elected Mayor of Dansville, meet and marry the love of my life. Although these things have nothing to do with technology, they certainly add to the speed of the train ride!

By the year 2000, I was exhausted! I had earned my Educational Technology Certificate from MSU by the end of that year and more importantly, I knew then where I was headed on the train ride. Destination: Master’s Degree and a job in the education arena.

By July of 2000, I had arrived at the train station! I made the switch from New Horizons Computer Learning Center to Howell Public Schools, serving as the Instructional Technologist for the district since then. The train stopped briefly, while I made the switch, but since then, …it has not slowed down one bit. Occasionally, I have been able to take a breath and enjoy the scenic view, but mostly, the last five years have been a blur. I have no intention of getting off of the train. I love technology! I love learning! I love teaching and growing! I am even considering the Ph.D. program to continue my ride!

How about you? Want to join me? I know we'll have fun! :-)