1969 - 2014: Where has my time gone?

I left Millry, AL in May of 1987, ready to face the world and my choices. I landed in Ft. Campbell, KY with the love of my life. I was 18, and I didn't have a clue about where my life was taking me. Twenty seven years later, six degrees later, I still wonder where I'm heading.

A New Direction!

In August, 2013 I left a position with a great company to chart my own course once again. I figured: (1) I wasn't getting any younger... (2) I wanted a new direction in my life... (3) AND... I thought "what's the worst that can happen?" Equipped with my knowledge, experience, and resolve, I began developing materials for students. Some 3 months later, Vann Ray released its first student module. Since that time, I have continued to build materials, provide professional development for schools, assist in curriculum building, write a couple of books, and network.

What I have learned!

Have I made mistakes along the way? Oh, you bet! Lots of those! I have learned that even if you have an awesome idea, you can bank on politics sabotaging it for you. I have learned that "MONEY IS AN ISSUE" in schools that cannot be negated. I have learned that just because people want success that is not a clear indication they are willing to actually do what it takes to make it happen.

However, I have also learned there are awesome educators in this country. I have learned there are students scattered throughout our American classrooms who do want someone to mentor them and to show them how to prepare for their next phase in life, or at least point them in the right direction.

Where am I headed?

Gee... I wish I could answer that with any degree of certainty. But do any of us really know what a year or even 5 years hold for us? I watched the funeral services of my sweet precious niece, Ashley Helena Roberts, this past Sunday, and my heart was completely broken. I thought, "If anyone could make a difference in this world, Ashley would." But her life was taken much too quickly. So, with all due diligence and not fully knowing or understanding the significance of my existence at this time, I am resolved to just move forward. With renewed courage and determination, I will face the next work day and the next week. I will continue to use the skills I have to build a greater product, provide a greater service, and meet more needs of our schools. And may my epitaph of life read, "She used all she had, and she lived!"

In Memory of Ashley Helena Roberts (August 17, 1982 - April 10, 2014)

Why "30" is a GREAT Number!



I think "30" is a great number.  It is the number of years my sweet niece, Ashley Roberts, has been with us.  I'll never forget those little dimples.  This sweet face has resilience that many people will never have the ability to achieve.  No matter how she may feel, she always manages to smile.  Ashley has struggled for years with Severe Aplastic Anemia.  This disorder causes her much pain and the need for continual blood transfusions.  Yet, she never complains, (well at least not to her Aunt Sarah).  There are many things I love about Ashley.  She is so caring.  She attempts to keep her cousin, Gid, on the straight and narrow.  She is a dreamer, but she lives with the reality that at any moment her dreams may be put on hold.  She loves her family, especially her nephews, Landon and Logan.  Ashley is a giver.  She relates to others.  She keeps her spirits and energy high in spite of the medical complications she faces on a daily basis. 

We were talking tonight about Gideon and the fact he is NOT a morning person.  Ashley shared with me a conversation she and Gid had recently.  Gid said something like, "Ashley, you are so happy when you get up.  I think you take a nap during the day just so you can wake up happy all over again."  Ash replied, "Gid, when I can wake up and move without my body in pain, it is a GOOD day."  What an attitude!  So many of us would complain relentlessly if we were in the same situation. I wish I could say I have always been as positive about things that I faced in my life.  But, Ashley is a better woman than I. 

I love you, Ashley Helena!  I do think you are amazing!  Enjoy your 30th year in life!  I wish you all the health and happiness possible, and I hope that it is multiplied 10xs more.   

Who Moved My Cheese?

Sometimes we may act like 

Sniff 

Who sniffs out change early, or 

Scurry 

Who scurries into action, or 

Hem 

Who denies and resists change as he fears it will lead to something worse, or 

Haw 

Who learns to adapt in time when he sees can lead to something better!

Johnson, Spencer (1998-09-08). Who Moved My Cheese?: An A-Mazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life (Kindle Location 112). Penguin Group. Kindle Edition.

I loved this little book, and I am so thankful for the anonymous person who mentioned it in a previous post.  I think in some ways I have found myself playing the role of all four characters in the story: Sniff, Scurry, Hem, and Haw... For example, in my own life:


Sniff Characteristics:  I tend to want the latest greatest thing on the market (i.e. the iPad, a smart phone, the latest new perfume, hair shampoo, deodorant, body wash, and so on...).  I like to see what is available.  I tend to get bored with the same thing over and over, so when cleaning my house, I go from one room to the other to see what needs work.  I like to keep up with the latest buzz words in education.  If someone needs a "SNIFF", I am the person (AS LONG AS IT IS NOT LIFE CHANGING DECISIONS!)  Now that gets a little more complicated, and I leave my "Sniff" role very quickly.

Scurry Characteristics:  Once the decision is made to move, I jump in without much thought or reason.  I often fulfill the clique "Let's just do it!" I'd rather complete the task at hand without a break to just "git 'er" done (As Larry the Cable Guy would say).  If there is a road block, I find a way around it.  My Scurry Characteristics really step up when I feel threatened or challenged.  I am not a meticulous planner by default.  I often act first, and then think about the ramifications later.  I am not patient when it comes to waiting for a detailed plan.  I often build as I go.  This works on occasion for me, but overall, while my "Scurry" behavior may keep me alive, I am not sure it helps me fulfill my greatest potential.

Hem Characteristics:  I don't see myself as a huge "HEM" kinda gal, but there are things in my life that I'd rather not change.  I really don't like opposition, and if I think the change will cause opposition, I often run from it.  Or... I will just let it go even if I know it is the right thing to do.  I think it is more of my fear of what others will think or feel than it is that I am afraid of the changes myself.  I do like to control things, so if the changes involves me letting go... then yes, I would be the perfect HEM.  I find it rather difficult to trust others to get the job done right, and if I am responsible, I'd rather do it myself, to the point of exhaustion, than to deal with having to fix what others do.  So, yes, I am a HEM person at times.  I see where I need to work on this.

Haw Characteristics:  Now... I think I am in "Haw" character most of the time.  Once it makes sense to me, I'll do it.  In many areas of my life, I have had to learn to adapt.  Life is full of adaptations, and we have to make the best decisions to make sure we survive.  I see this all the time, in my personal life... in my spiritual life... in my professional life.  I may complain about someone moving my cheese, but eventually, I go after it.  Now, I may let you know you took my cheese, and I may let you know until I worry you to death, but ultimately, you will not win.  I will find my cheese, or someone else's cheese if necessary.  And the very worst thing you can do is make me think my cheese in endangered.  I will fight for my cheese.  And don't even think about taking my grapes too!

Here are some "Cheese" Nuggets that Haw found along the way:


1.  Having Cheese Makes You Happy!  Yes it does.  Everyone wants cheese.  Cheese is comforting.  Cheese is filling.  Cheese makes you feel successful.  Cheese can take many different forms in life. I equate Cheese to Success.  It is that feeling we get when we know we hit the money!  We have accomplished a goal.  Or... Perhaps, we have finally arrived where we wanted to be in life with our job, finances, relationships, etc.

2.  The More Important Your Cheese Is To You The More You Want To Hold On To It! Hem and Haw were not too happy when someone took their cheese.  But the fact of life is that our cheese almost never stays stationary.  Perhaps the real lesson here is to learn that while the cheese is great, we should not get to attached to it.  I have seen people who have lost relationships, jobs, or other valuable things, and they had a very difficult time coping.  It is devastating to lose our cheese, no matter what it may be.  

3.  If You Do Not Change, You Can Become Extinct! This is to true.  Yet some people would rather become extinct than to change.  I have seen corporations bankrupt and close, churches become unfruitful, families dissolve, and communities become ghost towns because on one thing:  the inability to adapt (or change!).

4.  What Would You Do If You Weren’t Afraid? What is your fear keeping you from accomplishing in our life?  Think about your dreams for your life.  Now, why haven't you started moving in that direction?  Never let fear stand in the way of your dreams.  Take a chance.  What is the worst that can happen?

5.  Smell The Cheese Often So You Know When It Is Getting Old! You must know when it is time to move forward.  Know when to hold 'em, but know more when to fold 'em.  Keep your ear to the ground, and hear the rumblings.  That's my motto.  Cheese does expire.  Life experiences expire.  There are times when you need to change your habits.  Unhappy in your marriage? When was the last time you changed out your cheese?

6.  Movement In A New Direction Helps You Find New Cheese!  Stop staring at the greasy spot where your cheese once lay and expect it to appear out of thing air.  Even when God performed miracles, he usually required some human action before he would deliver them.  If you don't believe me, check it out for yourself.

7.  When You Stop Being Afraid, You Feel Good! Fear cripples you.  It keeps you from fulfilling your goals.  You can't let the fact that you can't see the cheese make you think there is no cheese. You know there is cheese.  You have eaten it before.  So, stop worrying about the idea you will never have cheese again.  Find it!

8.  Imagine Yourself Enjoying Your New Cheese Leads You To It!  Without a vision, the people perish.  Get your vision back!  Look for the cheese.  Imagine how great it will taste.  Imagine all that you are missing because you are not looking for the cheese.  Get an imagination for crying outloud!

9. The Quicker You Let Go Of Old Cheese, The Sooner You Find New Cheese! I like to think about the great times I have had in my life just like anyone else.  But if that chapter in life is closed for you, stop living on a faded memory.  Go find your new cheese (i.e. career, friend, relationship, etc.)

10.  It Is Safer To Search In The Maze, Than Remain In A Cheeseless Situation! Life is full of chances that we can either take, or not.  But when we find ourselves in a desperate situation, it is time to look for the new cheese!

The thing I loved about Haw was his willingness to learn.  I want to have those characteristics in my life.  I want to be willing to take a chance when a change is needed.  Now, there are many other things I could add here, but hopefully I have given you enough to want to read the book "Who Moved My Cheese" and make you want to "Go Get Your Cheese!"


Sarah B. Odom, PhD.

Healthcare in America

So... I've been thinking (again)!  All this hype about national healthcare is unsettling to say the least. I know the upcoming election plays a huge role in what happens in our legislative, executive, and judicial systems.  I am glad for the laws that help Americans.  While I hate to pay them, I pay the taxes to help those who need help, and I depend on the system to do the best that it can to decide who needs the help most.  I believe in putting my money where my mouth is, so just to provide evidence I am not all about talk, I payed my state and federal government over 21% of my annual salary last year in income taxes, not to mention all the taxes I paid on the goods and services I purchased, not to mention all the SSI taxes.  NOT to mention all the money I pay each month to carry health insurance for my husband and myself.  So, I think if anyone has a right to complain, people who pay 21% of their income to taxes has a right to complain.  Come to think of it, I gave more to AL and the US than I did to God.  Shame on me!

But I am not here to complain.  I am here to scold myself on my part in the growing healthcare problems in our country.  Now, typically I have had great checkups in the past.  I don't smoke, drink, or do drugs.  I have very few risk factors, and my cholesterol is usually within a normal range.  But... (as Jesus so amicably put it to the rich young ruler in Mark 10:21) "One thing thou lackest..."  Yeah... always that one thing.  I am labeled as "acute morbidly obese!"  (BUT NOT FOR LONG!) 

In addition to a higher mortality rate, I am putting myself at risk for physical and emotional diseases such as cardiovascular risk factors like hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperinsulinemia and low levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, cardiac dysfunction, pulmonary problems, digestive diseases, and endocrine disorders as well as obstetric, orthopedic, and dermatologic complications, and cancer mortality.  Emotional risks include: depression, disrespect by others, prejudice by others, negative attitudes that others perceive me as weak-willed, ugly, awkward, self-indulgent, and anxiety.  

When deeply thinking about the healthcare crisis in this country, many of the risk factors that most Americans face are due to a direct correlation between their behaviors and the risk factors they exhibit.  Now, I can go on blaming the government and everything in between for the problems I have medically and emotionally, or I CAN TAKE CHARGE of my life.  Personally, I wouldn't care if I ever had to see a medical doctor or use the healthcare system again in my life (No offense, Michael Greene -  my sweet brother-in-law, who is a "real Dr!", according to my mother.)  

When I look at the problem with my morbidly obesity, I see another set of cause and effects.  I am a stress eater.  The more stressed I am, the more I shove things into my mouth.  In our country, we have driven ourselves to insanity trying to always have more than we can afford or pay for in this life.  I don't have the effect size statistically speaking, but I know from a qualitative perspective, stress from debt and work has definitely added to my health problems.  What in the world are we thinking! 

Each year I attempt to self-evaluate my life several times a year.  This is one of those times.  There are two things right now that if I can capture and get under control, the likelihood of my health improving greatly increases: (1) Reduction of my weight,  and (2) Reduction of my stressors! I encourage all Americans to stop a moment and complete a self-evaluation of your life.  I will never be able to truly control others' actions.  But I can control myself.  I am only one person.  It is doubtful I will have a huge impact on the upcoming elections.  It is most unlikely I will have an impact on the legislative, judicial, or executive branches of our government (although I do my part!).  But it is highly probable and likely the things I decide to do with my life have the greatest impact on my health and well-being. 

So... while I am not necessarily happy with the way things are in my country right now... I am more concerned with my own actions.  What about you?  Are you willing to take responsibility along with me on the problems we have brought on ourselves?  Or... Do you continue to place all the blame on others?  And will you like the rich young ruler go away sorrowfully?

Doing a Little "Self Assessment"

It's Saturday... A time to reflect...

There are some pressing questions on my mind as I reflect through my past week.  I want to make sure I make every moment of my life count as I know that in each and every moment I have, I will never get to relive that particular moment ever again.  So as I press the mental "rewind" of the past events of the week, I find that I spent time planning and executing professional development for my clients and company, traveling for my company, cleaning and cooking for my family, praying for my family, reading for pleasure (a rarity), attempting to be true to my diet, and many other things.  I guess for most of the week, I did spend a great deal of time simply "thinking!" 

Oh, the things that are imagined in my mind.  I have plotted and won many wars in my mind.  I have dreamed of a better time.  I have created some of the most vivid stories.  If there was a way to capture all the things that have gone through my head even this week, I would be most fortunate.  One thing I have noticed is the great amount of warfare that goes on in my mind.  I fight daily to drive out the doubts, depression, confusion, anger, revenge, and other forms of evil imaginations that would hold me back.  I seek to remain positive in spite of difficult situations.  I hope to remain optimistic in the reality of opposition.  I want to conquer, not be enslaved.  But the reality is that most of these battles are fought and won or lost in the battlefield of my mind. 

Well, I am sitting here "thinking" as I attempt to write, and the "thinking" is overpowering the "writing".  So... I guess I will close for now.  As I leave, I want to remember the importance of every second of my life.  I will not travel this path ever again.  Will I make the choices today that have a bearing on eternity?  Will I waste any of the precious moments of my life today on mundane ordinary things?  Or... Will I live an epic day conquering the battlefield of my existence and my mind? 

Gone before they were ever given a chance...

The more I read about the current state board of education elections in Alabama, the more my heart sinks. But I have come to the realization that the fight between Democrats and Republicans will eventually kill the opportunity for Alabama Schools to move forward into the 21st Century. This is a tragedy of exponential proportions. I have fought feverishly to inform the public as well as the politicians, but no one wants to listen. And as a result, our Alabama students will continue to have disadvantages that will make life harder and harder for them to overcome.

Here's what I know to be true. The current methods in which we try to show proficiency in this state is truly at the basic level. I know the cut scores, and I know the types of questions on the assessments. I have studied the item specifications in Alabama with great detail. Our current testing system seeks only to show basic proficiency. Basic proficiency will not get you into college without remediation. Basic proficiency will not give you the skills to keep a job that will sustain a family and make you successful.

We need a lot more rigor built into our current Alabama Standards and within the curriculum to have our students college and career ready. But I guess many are asking the question "Why Common Core?" After all, isn't it the next step by the FEDERAL GOVERNMENT to bring socialism and federal control over our schools? Well, if you listen to many politicians out there today, "Yes!" This is also a tragedy. I am not sure it is not a conspiracy within a conspiracy. One group knows that it is what is best, and they know if they embrace it, the other group will fight it. It will keep the poor poorer. It will keep Americans dependent on the government because they cannot provide for themselves, so in essence, the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. But... those politicians can shout it from the housetops they SAVED America.

Here's what you are saying when you tell the American people that you are saving them from the HORRIBLE FEDERAL Government:

1. You are telling them that the mediocrity of our current status among all other states is OK with you.
2. You are telling them that you can live with our horrific dropout rate.
3. You are telling them that you don't feel Alabama teachers can handle the challenge of a more rigorous set of standards.
4. You are telling them that Alabama children do not deserve to have the same educational opportunities as all the children in the many states that are moving forward and embracing change.
5. You are telling them you are afraid to allow their children to be too successful.

Now I know politicians will deny this violently. But for the Alabamians that will sit down and take a closer look, you will see you are being duped. Duped by both sides. Knowledge is power. People who love power don't want the rest of us to have a lot of it. So, let's go ahead and keep the ignorant in ignorance. Let's not give our Alabama students a cutting edge. Let's keep the status quo where it is.

OK. Believe it or not, I can live with it. I work outside of the state of Alabama on most days. I am working with states that are moving forward with Common Core. I see the challenges of the high school students in IL that must take the ACT in order to show proficiency in high school. I understand the plight of these kids. Common Core is helping build a better foundation for the mathematical mind for them. They are moving forward.

For those students in Indiana, they are experiencing literacy in science and history at new and heightened levels. They are using computers and smart phones to complete Google Treks. They are forming debate teams. They are syncing with leaders and other members of the community through video conferencing. They are doing all these things in the classroom as their teachers embrace Common Core. Teachers feel more free than they have in years to do what they need to do for their classrooms. (I wonder if the politicians really want Alabamians to hear this.)

For the first time in many years, Common Core is putting autonomy back into the hands of teachers (and yet the rhetoric that we hear each day is the exact opposite). At one point in history when it was difficult to do your own research, those seeking a new land believed Greenland was green and Iceland was ice. Parents, you don't have to be duped today. Ask the tough questions. Ask how the politicians plan to give Alabamians back the $80 million (that's $80,000,000.00) in remediation that was required to help your children be able to take an entry level course in college math or English. Ask the politicians what are their NEW methods for providing new teacher training in technology so your children can have the skills needed to get a high paying job. (OH but be careful, there are some politicians who do not want you to have a high paying job. Trust me, I was recently attacked by some for being successful in what I do each day.)

Do you want to know how I have been successful in Alabama? First of all, God has blessed me abundantly. Second of all, my mother pushed me every day of my life because she knew what it would take. Third of all, my teachers kept me engaged and learning. But even with all this support, I still struggled at the university in the college of physical sciences. So, those politicians that attacked me for wanting better for Alabama students have no idea the personal struggles that I have made to be where I am. And yet, because I am successful today, they ATTACKED me for challenging them to do what is best for Alabama students.

Will I profit if Common Core standards are used in Alabama? No more than I already profit today from having a job helping schools improve. The standards do not bring wealth to educational consultants. The need for schools to improve creates a place for people with my expertise to help others. So, there will always be a need for educational expertise and problem solving skills. There will always be a need for continual training. (Well, in most states- Perhaps not Alabama!) However perhaps the greatest way in which I will profit will be the wealth Common Core could eventually bring our state. Better job opportunities for Alabamians. More businesses will be attracted to Alabama. Higher standard of living will be great. We need a change for the better.

If not Common Core... Then what? That is the question I want to ask those who are running for positions in education. What we have is not working. Check the poverty rate in Alabama. Check the NAEP scores of students in Alabama. Check the dropout rate in Alabama. BUT more importantly check the attrition of Alabama college students, and check the multiplied millions (almost a billion) a year spent for remediation to keep kids in college because they are not ready for college or career.

I know I am probably blogging for my own stress release. But I really wished just once in my lifetime citizens of this great state would demand more. I am not afraid to work harder... demand more of me. How many of those so called politicians wanting your vote will tell you the same.

My name is Sarah Odom, and I approve this blog entry!

Sarah

Irritated at Ignorance and the Politicians who use it Against the American People!

I am upset! I am angry! I am so sick of hearing how "Common Core" is a "National Curriculum" forced on the American people by the Federal Government! First of all, I would be happy to debate any of them (Democrat or Republican) any day of the week. I think it is just outrageous that the American people get duped into believing the political rhetoric during election time. Where are the true statesmen and women in this country? Where, I ask you? Where!

Here are some numbers for you! Right NOW, America is 25th in rank among the OECD countries in MATH! How about that, Democrats and Republicans? How happy are you with that? Here's another number!!! American students rank 14th in reading among OECD countries. They rank 17th in science. As if that were not enough, how about the number in the BILLIONS each year that it takes to REMEDIATE American seniors who cannot pass entrance exams into college? Oh, but let's all cause mass panic among Americans at the BIG BAD FEDERAL GOVERNMENT who is trying to force education on our students. PLEASE!!! GIVE ME A BREAK!

You should be worried about how you are BANKRUPTING our American Economy with your rhetoric! You should be worried about how every other OECD country with a viable economy is kicking our butt! But no! It is election time, and since you can't build a platform on which to run that will actually get Americans to BELIEVE in you, the next best thing you can do is "FABRICATE" a monster. Well, if that is the ONLY way you can win an election, please FABRICATE a real monster! Like the fact our economy is on the brink of catastrophic collapse! Now, why don't you talk about that for a while? Oh, that would require you to look at your party's spending over the past 30 years or so.

Unless you are an educational professional, and unless you have taken the time to actually understand the structure of the Common Core, and unless you have a better solution for the billions of dollars spent every year trying to remediate students from our dropout and pushout factories called high schools, PUT UP or SHUT UP! I for one do not believe a word that comes out of your mouth. It is a disgrace to the great men and women who worked so hard to build the political structure of this country designed to protect people, not led them in mass hysteria!

To my American friends who feel you do not know what to do, or how to process all of this political baloney... Read the facts. Go to the Common Core website and download the standards for English/Language Arts and Math. Look at what these standards are doing to help prepare our students for college and career. I ask you... NO, I implore you to think about your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, cousins and extended family members. Do you want them to leave high school with the confidence they can enter into any university or college without spending thousands of extra dollars on remediation? Do you want your children who do not want to go to college to be able to learn technical skills that will certify their ability to apply for a career job with confidence and certainty? DEMAND more rigorous standards in your schools! DEMAND that politicians stop putting your children at risk! Common Core is not the monster. Ignorance is the monster! Know your enemy! Force those you elect to do what is best for your students!

Just because the constitution says that education is part of the "states' rights" does not mean that states can't collaboratively determine what is best for students as a standards' framework. Trust me, in reality, neither the federal government nor the state government will determine what will be necessary for your children's education. The global economy will determine it. Don't you want your children to be prepared? I do. I speak from personal experience! I speak with passion! I speak without apology!

Sarah B. Odom, PhD