Thursday, October 18, 2012

When Failure Leads to Success: My Journey to the Google Teacher Academy

Tonight I learned that I was accepted to the Google Teacher Academy (GTA) in Mountain View California at Google Headquarters!  I am so honored and humbled to be a part of this amazing group of educators from across the globe.  I can hardly wait to meet, collaborate, and learn from some of the most inspiring people in the world.

This is not the first time that I applied to the GTA.  I have been waiting for a couple of years for the opportunity to apply.  I've followed the tweets and the GTA website religiously, waiting for the right time to put in an application.  This past summer I saw my chance and I applied for the GTA in New York which was held in October.  I worked hard on that application, waited anxiously, and I was totally bummed that I didn't get in.  Of course I didn't expect to get in knowing that the competition is always tough...but it is still a let down when you let yourself get excited at the possibility of it happening.  After taking a few moments to feel sorry for myself...I decided that I would make the most of it and dedicate my energy into learning as much as I could from following those who made it to New York and seeking out my own professional development opportunities.  I committed to writing more on my blog, being more active with Twitter, signed up and completed the Google Power Search course, and worked on my Google Apps Qualification Exams.

I was shocked to hear that Google decided to open up another GTA for December.  I had another chance and I knew immediately that I wouldn't waste this opportunity.  Even if I was happy with my original application, I decided to take a closer look at what I wrote and what I said in my video.  I ended up redoing both parts of the application.  In the end, I knew that I had done much better and after submitting it, I was so grateful that I was able to improve it.  I also knew that no matter what the results were, I was happy for the growth that comes with getting up after a 'failed' attempt.

To my surprise, the second time was a charm and my failed attempt really did lead to success.  I can honestly say that I am happier that it took me a second time around to be accepted because I wouldn't be where I am today.  Failure often leads to success...and it definitely always leads to learning.  To those of you who have experienced a failure, such as not being accepted to GTA this time around, I encourage you to try again, keep motivated, and remember why you were interested in being a GCT in the first place.  There are so many opportunities to keep growing, learning, connecting with others, and to stay involved with all that is happening in education.  As Steve Jobs once said..."The journey is the reward."

6 comments:

  1. Liz, found this post on twitter. I received my denial email last night, and have spent the better part of the day deciding to do what you have so insightfully blogged about. Have a wonderful time at GTAMTV, and thanks for your thoughtful post!
    Best,
    Heather

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    1. @Heather - No matter what, don't give up. There is no doubt that I would have tried again if I got a second denial. We learn more from 'failure' than success. You never know what opportunities are ahead! Best of luck to you!

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  2. I too got my rejection email the other day. You blog is inspiring and helpful! Thanks for sharing your journey!
    :) Jodi

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    1. Thanks Jodi! Best of luck to you! Keep motivated and never stop striving to make a difference!

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  3. Congratulations, Liz! Now we will have two GCTs from Hawaii. Represent!

    Maybe we can collaborate in some way when you're back from Mountain View. Also, I'm really keen on learning about Edmodo, and I see that you're very involved with that.

    All the best to you!


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    1. Thanks Linda! Yes, let's definitely collaborate. I would love to learn from you too. I was following all of the tweets from #GTANY. Yes, Edmodo is another passion of mine and I would be more than willing to share what I can. Keep in touch.

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