Headed Home

Finally headed to Kansas City. Andy had the window seat last night and had a great view flying out. I could get use to flying with views like these.

Denver Art Museum

Colorado State Capitol

Nil Sine Numine

Coors Field

Pigtrain Coffee Co

Stuck in Denver

Dear journal, 

Travel is always full of unexpected surprises, and today was no exception. What was supposed to be a straightforward flight home turned into an unexpected stay in Denver. The first hiccup came with the weather, causing our flight to be delayed. Before we knew it, the delay turned into a full reschedule for tomorrow. Being adaptable, my brother book a hotel for the night, so we have a bonus day in Denver ahead of us. Not bad, right?

But the surprises didn't end there. On our way to the hotel, the taxi hit the curb and blew a tire. We had to get out and walk the rest of the way in the rain, lugging our bags through the puddles. Despite the mess, I couldn't help but laugh. After all, I had just spent an amazing week with incredible people, and nothing could dampen my spirits.

With a whole extra day in Denver, I'm starting to look at this delay as a bit of an adventure. There are so many things to do and see in this city. I might check out a museum, find a cozy café, or just wander around and take in the sights. There's a certain excitement that comes with unexpected free time in a new place.

Plus, there's something about rain that makes everything seem a bit more dramatic, like a scene from a movie. It's not every day that you get to walk through a city in the rain, feeling like you're on a little adventure of your own. I think I'll make the most of this bonus day and see where it takes us.

Singing in the rain, 

Dave

You stay classy, San Diego

Marine Corps Educators Workshop Final Reflection

Marine Corps Educators Workshop Final Reflection 4/22/2024 to 4/26/2024

The Educators Workshop was a transformative experience, providing a unique perspective on the world of the Marine Corps. Over the course of the workshop, I gained insights that I plan to bring back to my classroom to inspire and guide my students, particularly those considering a career in the military after high school.

Understanding the Marine Corps

During the workshop, I had the opportunity to explore several Marine Corps installations in and around San Diego, gaining a deeper understanding of the values that drive the Marine Corps. From the yellow footprints to the graduation ceremony, I felt the tradition and discipline that are central to the Corps' identity. The core values of honor, courage, and commitment were evident throughout the training process, serving as a reminder of the importance of instilling these values in our students, regardless of their future paths.

The Journey toward Basic Marine

Witnessing the graduation of Golf Company was a powerful experience. It marked the culmination of the recruits' journey from basic training to active-duty Marine. This transformation required intense physical and mental conditioning, as well as resilience and determination. The Marines' ability to persevere through adversity and push their limits was a lesson I knew I could share with my students. It highlighted that success often demands dedication and the ability to overcome often unforeseen obstacles.

Leadership and Mentorship

The Marine Corps' approach to leadership and mentorship stood out during the workshop. Promotions within the Corps are based on demonstrated skill and leadership potential. I heard from a Marine who said, "If I get promoted to Gunnery Sergeant, it's because they see in me someone capable of becoming a Master Sergeant." This incremental growth, with increasing responsibilities, reminded me of the importance of mentorship. I resolved to encourage my students to take on leadership roles and inspire their peers, echoing the Corps' focus on developing strong leaders.

Personal Development and Lifelong Learning

The emphasis on education and personal development in the Marine Corps was inspiring. The Corps supported off-duty education, with opportunities to earn Associate and Bachelor degrees while enlisted, and the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill provided further educational benefits. This commitment to lifelong learning resonated with my own educational philosophy, reminding me of the importance of continuous growth. I knew this was something I would emphasize with my students, regardless of their career aspirations.

Building Resilience and Determination

Throughout the workshop, I encountered stories of resilience and determination that define the Marine Corps. The Young Marine Panel, where recruits shared their personal journeys, highlighted the strength required to overcome injury and challenges. The quote "If you're going to give up, give up tomorrow" illustrated the Marine Corps' relentless spirit, reinforcing the idea that giving up should never be the first option. I could see how these lessons would be valuable to my students, teaching them the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.

Legacy and Tradition

The Marine Corps' legacy and tradition were constant themes throughout the workshop. The MCRDSD Museum and the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor ceremony illustrated the deep-rooted history connecting all Marines. This sense of tradition created a powerful bond among Marines across generations. The enduring legacy served as a source of inspiration and a guiding force, encouraging current and future Marines to uphold the values and standards set by those who came before them. I knew I could use this understanding to help my students appreciate the value of tradition and continuity in their own lives.

Bringing It All Back to the Classroom

As I reflected on the Educators Workshop, I realized how much I could bring back to my classroom. The insights I gained from the Marine Corps' values, leadership, resilience, and tradition would enhance my connection with students. For those interested in a military career, I could offer a deeper understanding of what it means to become a Marine and the journey it entails. For all students, these lessons could inspire them to embrace values like discipline, commitment, and perseverance, guiding them toward success in their own unique journeys.

Marine Corps Educators Workshop Day 4

Marine Corps Educators Workshop

Reflection 4/26/2024

Today, at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego, I witnessed the graduation of Golf Company, a powerful ceremony that began with the Presentation of Colors. As the colors were raised, the sense of tradition and pride was palpable, signaling the significance of the moment. The graduation of Golf Company represented the culmination of weeks of rigorous basic training, where recruits transformed into United States Marines, prepared to carry the values and legacy of the Corps into the future.

One of the key messages during the ceremony was that "the individual Marine is the Corps." This simple phrase encapsulates the idea that every Marine, through their journey, represents the collective strength and ethos of the Marine Corps. Throughout their training, they internalized the core values of honor, courage, and commitment, and by graduation, they were ready to embody these principles in their new roles.

Graduation marked not just an end but a beginning—the start of a new life for these Marines. They entered basic training as civilians and emerged as something more, ready to take on new challenges and responsibilities. The transformation from recruit to Marine involves a profound shift in identity, as they commit to a life of service dedicated to upholding the values instilled in them during training.

As I observed the ceremony, I was struck by the discipline and unity of the new Marines, reflecting the rigorous process that brought them to this point. Several of our Marine escorts encouraged us throughout the week to take note of how the recruits carried themselves along the different moments of intersection. By the time the recruits reached graduation, they had received the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor and a noticeable transformation had occurred. The journey from the yellow footsteps to graduation was truly one of intense physical and mental conditioning, but more important was the development of resilience, determination, and grit. 

Concluding my visit, I said goodbye to our Marine escorts, who played a crucial role in guiding us through the Educators Workshop. Getting to know them, hearing their stories, and seeing the Marine Corps through their eyes was pivotal to the success of the workshop. It was their dedication and willingness to share their experiences that helped us understand the Marine Corps on a deeper level.

I'm leaving this experience with a profound respect for the men and women who own the title of United States Marine. Their commitment, resilience, and sense of tradition are truly inspiring. As I return to my classroom, I look forward to sharing these insights with my students, especially those interested in a military career. I hope to convey the message that becoming a Marine is more than just earning a title—it's about embracing values that will guide them throughout their lives.

HUA!

The Whaley House

The Whaley House, situated in San Diego, California, holds a prominent place in the history of American haunted locations. Constructed in 1857 by Thomas Whaley, a businessman who moved to San Diego during the California Gold Rush, the house originally served as both a family residence and a business hub. Before Whaley built his two-story Greek Revival-style home, the site had been used for a public execution. In 1852, a thief named James "Yankee Jim" Robinson was hanged on the property, a grim event often cited as one of the contributing factors to the house's later haunted reputation.

The Whaley House became the heart of Thomas Whaley's business ventures, operating as a general store, a granary, and even the town's courthouse. However, it also became the backdrop for a series of personal tragedies that would shape its legend. In 1858, Thomas Whaley Jr., the Whaleys' 18-month-old son, died of scarlet fever within the walls of the house. Years later, in 1885, their daughter Violet Whaley, devastated by a failed marriage, took her own life. These events cast a somber shadow over the house, leading to stories of restless spirits and unexplained occurrences.

After enduring financial setbacks and the grief of family losses, the Whaleys eventually left the house. It sat abandoned for many years, deteriorating with time. In the 1950s, the Save Our Heritage Organization (SOHO) undertook a significant restoration effort, bringing the Whaley House back to its former glory. The restored property became a museum, inviting visitors to explore its rich history and perhaps experience its supernatural elements firsthand. 

As the Whaley House gained recognition, it also developed a reputation for being haunted. Visitors and paranormal investigators reported strange phenomena, including apparitions, disembodied voices, and unexplained cold spots. The spirits of Thomas Whaley, his wife Anna, their daughter Violet, and even "Yankee Jim" are said to roam the house. Today, the Whaley House offers historical tours during the day and ghost tours at night, drawing curious tourists and dedicated ghost hunters from around the world. The combination of historical significance and haunting stories has made the Whaley House a fascinating destination that continues to captivate the imagination.