Random Facts & Some Homework for You

I have recently received two homework challenges from two members of my PLN (Peter Jory and Aaron Akune) . The "homework" is as follows: share 11 random facts about yourself, answer the 11 questions provided and invite 11 others to answer 11 questions that I ask them. 

So in an effort to share a little bit about myself and deepen the relationships in my own PLN here are some random facts and questions:

11 Random Facts About Me:

1. During high school and university, because of proximity, I spent a lot of time at my grandparent’s house. I enjoyed playing cards with my grandfather and listening to him talk about his time during the war and his story of immigrating to Canada from Italy. His stories (and my parents own immigration story) continue to be sources of pride and inspiration for me and my own children. 
2. I almost didn’t become a teacher (that’s a whole different story).
3. The Oregon Coast and Mexico are two of my favourite places to vacation.
4. I like to golf a minimum of 25 rounds a year. Anything less and I turn into a pumpkin.
5. I can eat sushi every day. 
6. I played high school football. I was a fullback and linebacker. My teammates are still some of the best friends I have.  I also coached football up until I became a principal. I even did a short term guest coaching stint for the University of British Columbia football program about 10 years ago. 
7. Despite what people may see and think, I still get “butterflies” when I have to speak in front of groups (from 5 to 5000)
8. I exercise so that I can enjoy the delicious food in my life (my wife is an amazing cook as is the rest of my family) 
9. On my mother’s insistence, we have weekly dinners at my parent’s house with my own family and my brother’s and sister’s families – (that’s 15 people!)
10. I once spent an entire summer playing Zelda and EA Sports NHL 1997 (on a Nintendo 64) with a roommate. 
11. I have been to China on 9 different occasions..

Both Peter Jory and Aaron Akune asked me some questions so I decided to answer both sets of questions:

Questions from Peter Jory:

1. Where did you grow up, and what place that still feels like "home" when you go there?

• I was born and raised in Vancouver! I have never left. Not sure I ever will.  Because of this I don't own winter boots and I when I need to scrape ice off my windshield I use a credit card.

2. When did you decide to do what you do?

• In grade 9 - my grade 9 social studies teacher was the motivating factor for me becoming a teacher.

3. Describe something that you struggle with and what you've designed as a coping skill or compensation.

• I am not handy whatsoever.  I have had save an inordinate amount of money to pay people to do work for me.

4. What makes you the proudest when you think of your work?

• Watching students and teachers find personal success.

5. Who got you started on Twitter?

• I attended a TEDxUBC event about 4 years ago and saw all these really smart people using Twitter.  I figured I'd better give it a try.

6. Name your all-time favorite fictional character, and describe how that "person" has influenced you.

• The boy in The Alchemist.  His journey to finding his "treasure" took him to exciting places and introduced him to interesting people - only to realize the treasure he was seeking was at home the entire time.

7. In what way are you quirky?

• I can get obsessive about a cluttered email inbox.  I have dozens of folders for my emails.

8. Describe a very public moment that didn't work out for you.

• I am not the most fluent of writers.  Often times I will put out a blog post with some errors or typos.  I usually get a few DM's from folks who will point out my errors.  Fortunately this doesn't deter me from blogging.  

9. What is the best fruit?

• Nectarine 

10. Describe an event where you had a surprisingly brilliant time.

• Singing Karaoke  - I'm always an unwilling participant but end up having a blast.

11. What would you like people to say about you after you are gone?

• He cared about his family and the people he encountered.

Questions from Aaron Akune:

If you could meet one person in the world, who would it be? Why? 

• Pope Francis - His compassion and "people centered-ness" are an inspiration.

If you had one do-over, what would you do differently? 

• I don't really like to live in the "regretful past" too much.  I'll pass on this one

I’d like to thank my wife for everything. 

Your favorite meal is? Sushi.

Where would you like to vacation to next? Hawaii
What book are you currently reading? Humanize
What do you do most often? Phone, text or tweet?  Tweet
What excites you the most about the work you do? The people I meet and work with
One area we need to pay attention to in education that wasn’t as important 10 years ago is digital citizenship and literacy (broadly understood)
A blogger who has seriously impacted my thinking is too many to list - I'll go with PLN.
10 years from now, I will be healthy and happy.

11 Random Questions for you: 

1. What keeps you up at night?
2. What would you consider comfort food?
3. What is one thing you would change about your job?
4. What is one thing you would change about schools today?
5. What is one piece of advice you would give to someone?
6. The biggest inspiration in my life is___________________?
7. What was the first music concert you attended?
8. What is the first movie you attended?
9. Other than work, I have a passion for_____________________?
10. If you wrote a book, what would the title be?
11. When I grow up I ______________________

I challenge the following people to do their homework:

1. Darcy Mullin
2. Chris Kennedy
3. Maricel Ignacio
4. Denise Lamarche
5. Ian Doktor
6. Ron Sherman
7. Sheila Stewart
8. Ryan Bretag
9. David Wees
10. Michelle Baldwin
11. Dean Shareski