I left home 11 days ago, have been in Chicago for 10 days, and figured it was time for an update. My time here has been absolutely amazing. I have been greatly stretched to re-imagine how I am engaging students and how I am presenting content to them. I have been pushed by the guest scholars, the program leaders, and my colleagues in the program. I know being here in Chicago will have a major impact on my future as an educator.
I have gotten out and about in this wonderful city some as well. I have ridden public transportation some and almost saw a fight on the L train a couple of days ago. I enjoyed some good friendship, food, and entertainment at the Windy City Rib Fest. I have been to an amazing special collections library (The Newberry Library), a wonderful exhibit on Radicalism at the Chicago History Museum, and been to many of the important Labor History sites on the Labor Trail. Overall this trip has been amazing so far. I will eventually get to some baseball games, the Michael Jordan statue and some souvenir shopping, but to this point the focus has been on making new friends that are educators across the country as well as growing in content and delivery methods.
Mr. Gragg 