The power of Twitter

I recently discovered a Twitter campaign executed by students at my former high school to get Aaron Rodgers, QB of my beloved Green Bay Packers, to attend events put on by those students. Apparently, suggested by Student Council members, students bombarded Aaron Rodgers (@Aaron Rodgers12) with numerous requests via Twitter. From what I hear, Rodgers recognized the determination of the Bradford High School student body and has agreed to look at their requests.

Alright BHS u have been blowing up my twitter feed. Gimme some more info
— Aaron Rodgers (@AaronRodgers12) February 27, 2013

I love this for two reasons: 1. Students took action themselves to use social media to reach their goal; 2. This shows the potential power and use of social media in education. If students can use Twitter to connect with an MVP quarterback in the NFL, they can use it to connect with fellow students, educators, professionals and others to add to the educational experience.

I applaud the students for their determination on this task and also the student council advisors for encouraging students try new methods and use Twitter to collaborate with other students to meet that goal. Good luck, BHS students; I hope you get the response you want. 

Healthy living

I've been working out a lot lately. This isn't just a New Year's resolution, but actually an effort to change my life... I want to be healthier. I want to eat healthier and workout more to improve my health and general well being. I joined a gym and have been doing well so far going consistently. I know I am not as active today as I was in college and therefore am taking it slow. I don't want to get burned out too early or discouraged from continuing the healthy process. My cousin, a previous college athlete, has helped me develop a workout routine that will target the areas I want and will, hopefully, not be so overwhelming that I quit or don't reach my full potential.

I do admit though, there have been days that I have felt disheartened. It is difficult to continue down a difficult road when you cannot clearly see the results. I have to keep telling myself that this is a marathon, not a sprint. It has somewhat become my new mantra. I have also contemplated creating an "encouragement board." Not a virtual Pinterest one in which I must actively seek out, but instead an old school magazine collage to hang on the fridge or kitchen wall as a constant reminder of my goals. I hope that as I continue leading a healthy lifestyle, I will no longer crave the bad habits I used to have and instead this healthier lifestyle will become second nature and a part of me. It is still early so I am not certain the effect it will have but I have high hopes and strong determination.