My 2012 Ride 
Wow! I can’t believe that this year is almost over! I felt like I’ve only just begun actually. It has been such a full and amazing year for me. I literally started the year as a little Kindergarten teacher who was just starting my PLN and eager to learn a lot.
Well, I haven’t done a lot really, but what I did this year was to be willing to try and learn new things. After joining #teachmeet at the end of 2011, I certainly was ready to take on more challenges. I started my class blog and have been having fun with it. My class has joined some projects — having skype session with classes from Australia and then we also did a Voicethread project together.
This year with the help of the amazing Vicky Loras and Ceres Pioquinto, I had the chance to write for ETAS Journal for their spring 2012 Issue, and I also had the honor of being featured in one of the #ELTChat podcasts for their 5th episode, thanks to James Taylor.
I think one of the highlights for me this year was being able to present in a conference. My first ever was at the JELTA Conference in Jakarta this September where as nervous as I was, I was very happy to have some of my PLN around me including the lovely Barbara Sakamoto, Adi Cerman, Marlene Yosefien and Trika Simandjuntak. Marlene and Trika had also helped me to introduce iTDi among the participants of the conference. Now that’s the true power of PLN in my opinion J . I was also very lucky to have the chance to attend and stood by Barbara’s side as her co-presenter along with the incredible Marco Brazil at the 2012 JALT Conference in Hamamatsu, Japan. Not only that, I also got to meet and learnt from a lot of incredible people! It was a wonderful time indeed!
Oh and one other thing that I’m proud of; I have finally been able to present material at my school’s curriculum meeting! For somebody who just started to learnt about Montessori and in a school where the standard has always been set, it was a major achievement for me! J
I have to admit that my class has been a major force in my life; personally and professionally. My students have been the greatest muse any teacher could ever hope for. And if it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t have the urge to constantly learn and grow, so I could be a better teacher for them. Another muse in my personal development is of course my PLN, especially here in iTDi. I have never thought that being active online could give me so much! Not only for my teaching but also for my self.
So my plan next year is to continue what I’ve been doing — but raising the bar even higher! I’m already excited about the iTDi workshop this coming February in Semerang, Indonesia, because I’ll get the chance to share and hopefully inspire teachers here to always crave for more personal development and notice the power that PLN could give you. I’m very optimistic for the coming year and to that I’d say : Welcome 2013! Aza Aza Vivacity! ^_^
Icha your positive energy can be felt all the way to Brazil.
Hugs and Much more positive and great stuff keep reaching you through the next year.
🙂 Rose
Hi Icha,
What a wonderful account of 2012! I am so happy and proud of you for all the things you have done. Here’s to 2013, when I am sure you will do even more – this will be a great year for you, Icha!
Love,
Vicky
Hi Icha!
Congrats for the great year!
Presenting at conferences is always something, isn’t it? Even more, when surrounded by bright and supportive members of our PLN.
Wish you a great 2013 full of challenges and success,
Frog-hugs,
Juan
Dear Icha,
How inspiring it was to read your post and see how you developed and grew as both person and a professional last year. I hope more people read and become inspired by you.
Big hugs,
Ceci