An Adventure begins...

 

W

ow!  I can't believe the day is here. Today is the day that I step outside of the comfort zone (those who know me probable think I am often stepping out) but today, I step right off the property of the states and adventure across the Atlantic on a mission to learn as much as I can about the Finnish and the systems that shape their culture and especially their educational system. I get to do this with 25 others that I may have only met once or twice, but I am certain they will be of like mind because they have the same interests and general sense of adventure that I have. Adventure runs through our blood.

For the true catch up, our group is all here thanks to a very generous grant from The Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Fingerlakes. Our goal is to study the education system and all of the cultural and governmental systems that help form it in hopes that we might bring back some ideas for best practice in our own area. We are hoping that a little bit at a time, we could help to shape Chemung County and its students’ minds, bodies and spirits. You see, back in the 1960’s and 1970’s Finland as a country had some similarities to our home area currently. They collectively decided that they would set a goal to make their country more Knowledge and Creative-focused rather than industry and technology (although many would argue that technology and creativity go hand in hand, which is why Nokia is currently building a brand new headquarters here in Oulu).  In order to do this, they set up systems that begin at birth with both parents receiving parental leave, fully covered costs for prenatal care and birth, and subsidized childcare for all beginning at 8 months. 

I am about 2.5 books in so far to prepare for this trip. For those who know me, that says a lot… I am not one to read a lot of books. I am learning a great deal.   This blog will be a place to not only collect my thoughts, questions and give the daily rundown, but will also be a great place to show the pictures of this incredible land.  I am excited to share it with you!

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