Continuing Our Thoughts on LD/ADHD Awareness Month
October 13, 2020
Timing is Everything: Confidence in Making a Mid-Year School Move to Springer
October 27, 2020
As I reflect on my time here at Springer, I can honestly say that my most memorable moment to date, by far, has to be our visit from Jonathan Mooney. I enjoyed his presentation so much that I think it warrants some revisiting.
If you happened to miss this presentation or are not sure who Jonathan Mooney is, let me share a little background with you. He has been described as an author, entrepreneur, and activist. But he is so much more than those three words can do justice to. If I had to sum up who Jonathan Mooney is in a word...Jonathan Mooney is RELATABLE. He is every child who struggles in school. He is every parent whose worry for their child consumes their every waking thought. And he is every adult learning to accept themselves for who they are and embrace who they can become.
Throughout Jonathan’s presentation, I either found myself nodding my head in total agreement of what he was saying or laughing out loud because of his remarkable ability to put humor to an all too often sensitive subject. Jonathan’s ability to weave humor into serious, and sometimes offending, situations sets the bar for us all to realize that someday, things can and will be better.
As I listened to Jonathan’s story and his message, a few key phrases stood out to me. And in my scattered notes, I jotted down a few that struck a particular chord. First and foremost, Jonathan tells us to “find what you can do...find the good.” All too often, our children who struggle become so beaten down that it is hard for them to see their good. It is our job as parents, teachers, and adults to help every child find their good.
Advice from Jonathan’s mother is probably a radical thought to many. Her advice to her son was “survive school...thrive in life.” This too is a sentiment I share with my own daughters. Although it is an unavoidable part of growing up, school is just a blip on the radar of life. It should not define a person, nor should it be the measure of a person’s ability to find success...to find their good.
And finally, my favorite quote of the night...Stop Faking Normal! Yes, let’s stop faking normal because normal doesn’t really exist. There is no true standard or measure of what makes us normal. We all come with our own quirks, idiosyncrasies, and flaws. But aren’t these imperfections what make us truly human, what make us individuals in the truest sense of the word?
If you missed Jonathan’s presentation, see for yourself what an amazing message he has to share. Also, don’t miss your chance to connect with others in the Springer community and reflect on Jonathan’s message. Join us for our final book club review of Normal Sucks: How to Live, Learn, and Thrive Outside the Lines. Visit our Workshop Listings page for links to our pre-recorded webinars and all upcoming workshop opportunities.
Blogger Lisa Bruns, M.Ed., Special Education, shares her expertise of students with learning disabilities. As a special educator, she has expert knowledge of interventions and accommodations that students may need to succeed in and out of the classroom. If you have questions, please contact Center Director Lisa Bruns at .
