Toto, I don't think we're in Kansas anymore

I was a bit hesitant in applying for the ASNE Reynolds Institute. Even though I've been an adviser for a long time, I wasn't sure if I had the chops to move it up to something on the national level. But something happened at the beginning of the school year that pushed me into completing the application.

A fellow adviser, and friend, in my district died suddenly about a week before school began. Mike was a dynamic newspaper and yearbook adviser who had award-winning publications and had just been awarded the Kansas Teacher of the Year prize. I really missed Mike and his mentorship.

To help improve my skills, and as a tribute to Mike, I applied to the ASNE/Reynolds Institute. I didn't think that I would be selected - and was pleasantly surprised when I was. I am so glad that I stepped outside of my comfort zone.

I have so many things to take home to my students. I have already had a discussion with my editors about some of the new ideas we will implement. I wish that I could share these ideas with Mike, but I will be able to help keep his program going when I share with his successor.