ThriveWisely

As of last week, I’ve returned to one of my great loves–coaching for a high school speech team. And, I have to admit–a bit sheepishly–that I’ve defected from the team I competed and previously coached for (Apple Valley High School) to join the team of their greatest rivals (Eagan High School). Indeed, it’s quite a scandal. And, it’s the best decision I could have made.

As kick-ass anarchist and feminist Emma Goldman is said to have declared, “If I can’t dance I don’t want to be part of your revolution!” Both Eagan and Apple Valley are nationally recognized elite teams with excellent all around programs. And, in my experience, they couldn’t be more different. Eagan dances and Apple Valley drills. The kids I work with now love language and expression and their team mates. They work smart and hard to be fantastic. They dig in to feel the essence of their pieces and share that. The students I worked with on the AVHS team did that, too–but more in spite of the general team ethos than because of it. We were a bit of a renegade band. Now, the revolution is us! We’re all a bunch of loopy, lunatic speech geeks who love this little known–and even less appreciated–high school activity. I couldn’t be happier!!

With whom do you want to surround yourself? Where do you feel inspired and at home? Where do you find your tribe?

p.s. Point of Clarification: NFL = National Forensic League…the national organization that supports speech and debate.