Following a farewell ASC post I shared recently, with an accompanying photo of a Navy bear I bought to mark my time at ASC & to store the pins I had accumulated, I was asked about my other bears. So here goes….
I’m now sharing my bear collection, each one commemorating a significant event, achievement, or period in my life. This tradition began when I was 14, and I'm proud to showcase these memories in my office.
Here's the story behind each bear:
1. Pilot bear - My first flight, before I'd even driven a car!
2. Graduation bear - Celebrating my first degree (in science).
3. All Blacks bear - My first job after uni was in New Zealand- what an adventure!
4. Teacher bear - Honoring my education degree and teaching career, gifted by my husband.
5. Surf lifesaving bear - Recognising my work designing a swimming program and beach safety days for adult new arrivals, which also led to working with SLSSA on the One the Same Wave (and can’t forget finally earning my Bronze Medallion).
6. Questacon & Australian Defence bear - Marking my trip to Boston and collaborating with Questacon to bring the Engineering is Elementary STEM teacher training program to Australia, which the Department of Defence now sponsors.
7. Red Cross bear - Remembering my time as a Save-A-Mate and Emergency Services volunteer, plus achieving my goal of donating blood and plasma.
8. Graduation bear with parchment - Celebrating my Master's in Special Education with Distinction, which I gained at the same time as completing my Auslan certificate at TAFE, and full-time work.
9. Navy bear - Symbolising my brave career change and my time at ASC.
These bears represent my journey, passions, and accomplishments. I'm grateful for the memories and proud to share them with you.
**What are you most proud of? How do you celebrate? What helps you look back on your journey and how far you’ve come?**
#passionandpurpose
#reflection
#storytelling
Executive Director - Minnesota HOSA
2moWelcome to the HOSA-FHP family! 💙❤