(School Bell Rings, that is!)

Today marks the final day of teaching my fifth semester of Marketing Principles at Fort Hays State University. It has been an amazing experience and I'm blessed to have the opportunity to balance this responsibility with my daily job (Thanks, Hays Area Chamber Board of Directors!)

As I'm sure those in careers involving teaching, mentoring, supervising, etc. will relate, I have discovered I learned far more from my students than what I probably taught them. Here are just a few of my personal learning moments:

-Twice a week, I practiced public speaking to perhaps the most critical crowd possible. By watching body language, evaluating feedback and listening to comments, I have continued developing the art of presentation. Certainly a plus for me working in the Chamber world!

-Some students in my class have overcome incredible adversity to even make it to the collegiate world. Despite abuse, unplanned pregnancies, divorce, poverty or even death of a loved one, these students persevere through tragedy. I am so inspired by their courage and desire to create a better future while balancing the daily grind of school and life.

-My admiration for International students increases with every student I meet. The heartbreak of leaving families and friends to travel across the globe is in itself amazing (especially since I now live only 90 miles from my childhood home). However, these young adults arrive in a country so unlike their own, speaking a different language they may not easily understand, and are completely alone on this journey. All because they know this opportunity to study abroad will bring pride to their family as well as open a door to a successful career.

I often hear today's youth are irresponsible, immature, undependable and apathetic. However, I believe my chaotic pace to juggle this teaching gig has been worth it because of this one final realization: if these young people from my 5 different classes are the future leaders of our world, I strongly believe we are in good hands. Best wishes to all those FHSU students graduating this Saturday!

The Wellbrock family took our first bike ride of the year, enjoying a beautiful Spring evening. A fresh breeze whipping through my hair and touching my face; a nice burn in my leg muscles as I pumped the pedals; moments sorting out my own thoughts while spending quality time with my familly - for me, these elements are what make bicycling unique from other activities.

I discovered, however, an interesting observation about leading and leadership. When we began, I took the lead cyclist role, with Gerard lagging behind our son so Garrett could remain in our protective pocket. With my family "blind" to me, I kept trying to gain visibility by looking continuously over my shoulder. With my focus on what was happening behind me, I didn't keep my eye on obstacles ahead, thus ultimately putting all of us at a greater risk for harm.

Making a turn naturally put Gerard in the lead, and I realized I became more comfortable with my position in the group. My son was still protected (yes, motherly instinct kicking in) and I had full view of my future (literally and figuratively). I now was able to communicate effectively with my family and give cycling advice to my son.

With Gerard as our leader, I suppose that makes me the follower to some people's perspective. Yet, I demonstrated leadership by choosing the best role for the situation, providing guidance and better communication to my team, as well as cheering on the others to perform to their best. My AHA! moment was to observe this definition played out in real life: Leadership is not a role, a position or a title - it is an activity. This was my example of leadership in motion - what does leadership look like to you?

I am overwhelmed.

Recently, I discovered I have developed adult allergies. Not only am I allergic to most inhalants (dogs, cats, most trees, weeds, molds and dust), I'm also allergic to many food items, including: corn, iceberg lettuce, orange, rye, string beans, coffee, cow's milk, white potatoes, vanilla, pork, honey and egg whites. Yep, that pretty much removes all of my menu standards.

This weekend, I went through my fridge and pantry, removing all items with banned ingredients. My goal is to eliminate these foods for 6 months from my diet, with hopes this will help me naturally detox my body so I can reintroduce these foods without reaction. Let's just say, the pantry is pretty bare! I never had any idea so many items used a form of corn, whether as corn starch or corn syrup. Even if the ingredients tout no "High Fructose Corn Syrup" doesn't mean the item doesn't have corn! 

If anyone has any good recipes that don't include diary or corn or eggs (or other listed above), then please send them my way!  

 

While sitting down for supper, I had the TV on to a channel showing "Dirty Dancing." The show was almost over, and the last dance scene began with one of my favorite songs "Time of My life."

With the most puzzled look on his face, Garrett asked us, "If these two are supposedly in love, why do they hate this time in their life?"

Fortunately, I didn't choke on that last bite...

(For those not familiar with this scene, here's the link...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpmILPAcRQo.)

Being married to my best friend definitely has its perks: laughter, companionship, heart-to-heart talks. But as I have shared many times with Gerard, I depend on him to give me the honest sometimes-hard-to-swallow truth so that I can continue to better myself professionally and personally. If I can't accept the truth from him, knowing he has my best interests at heart, then who can I?

As you read yesterday (you know, the mushy one just below this post), my husband recently won a prestigious award. Since I've already shared how proud of him I am, I think it is my wifely duty to make sure he stays grounded...to help him "keep his eye on the ball" so he continues to progress to the next step in his career, whatever that may be.

So, let me be the first to tell my husband..."Honey, I love you but the trash stinks. Please take it out during your lunch hour."