On a recent visit to Hardin County Schools’ Bluegrass Middle School gym, there was a sign overhead that said “If you believe in yourself, anything is possible”. And as I entered the gymnasium that was filled with students from all the area schools, I saw that message being put into action.
At the first ever Hardin County Technology Fair, students were able come together and display their current technology based projects, which included everything from digital photography (some of which had actually been entered in state competitions), to computer-based language translation programs. I watched as a student demonstrated how to use a new remote system that uses video to feed live classes from one location to the other. Some students showed how they are using technology and the internet to communicate with our soldiers who are deployed overseas. Each booth was very diverse, but one thing was clear: each student was well-versed in the technology that was before them.
This is the new generation. No longer is technology reserved for only a select few. The world of laptops, cell phones, video feeds and computer programs has become the norm, in both our personal lives and our careers. I think it’s wonderful that we live in a region where local school systems recognize that and make sure our students get every benefit that technology can provide.
To become ‘The Idea Capital of the World’, I think that it’s imperative that we continue to progress in this direction. We must promote an education system that is not only aware of the opportunities available, but is also creative in the ways it recognizes and develops natural talent in our students. If we do that, I believe that our abundance of local talent will not only flourish, but will do so in our area instead of having to leave in the pursuit of bigger opportunities. With technology you can pursue those big opportunities from anywhere. Why not here?
I’ve heard from too many people that upon graduating college, they were forced to leave their hometown just to get a job in their field of choice. But, as the tech fair proves, initiatives are being taken to foster a high tech culture right here.
In LaRue County, they have instituted a program called Laptops of LaRue, which has made laptops available to every high school student for school use. They are able to use instant messaging to communicate questions to their teachers, as well as access programs like dyKNO, Moodle and OneNote. This is allowing the class to communicate electronically and keep track of homework and assignments, as well as giving them the ability to keep electronic binders for their classes. Not to mention the ability to use online encyclopedias and even search engines like Google or Yahoo to gather even more information on topics being discussed in class. This program is literally putting huge quantities of information at the students’ fingertips.
Colleges and Universities in the region are following similar paths, but access to technology doesn’t end in the public schools or even college. Adults who have not been exposed to technology the way in which these young students I’ve profiled above also need training opportunities in order to stay competitive. And communities throughout our region recognize that.
Whether it’s the Lifelong Learning Center in Scottsburg; the Adult Education Center in Brandenburg; the Community Learning Center, Salem; or any other number of venues throughout the region, communities are providing access and opportunities for people at all stages of their professional lives. It is becoming the norm not the exception.
What do you think, Readers? Would you like more information? Want to get involved? Do you know someone who is promoting a great idea or organization? Let’s hear from you!
Until next time,
Jen
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Introducing, Jen Leroux
The kix.com team is pleased to introduce our newest blogger, Ms. Jen Leroux. Jen originally hails from Minnesota but at the ripe old age of 16 her family made the move to Kentucky and while she took a professional detour to Italy, our region called her back. In this blog, she takes the opportunity to introduce herself to kix readers.
Booker T. Washington once said, "…Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way." Here in Kentucky, I believe we display this in a most unique manner. As I observe my friends, family, clients, and neighbors, I am faced with the realization that I am blessed to be living in a community with so many people that are striving for excellence. Every day I meet people from all different walks of life, and every day I hear a new story from someone about the (oftentimes) random set of circumstances that brought them to our beloved little piece of heartland.
Growing up in the north and not moving to Elizabethtown until I was 16 years old, it was a bit of a culture shock going from the a more fast-paced northern lifestyle to the more relaxed ways of life our region can offer. But after adjusting, I soon began to realize that the easy manner in which people from our region approach things was a big key to the way of life in this community. We truly are blessed to live in a place where there are so many “big city” amenities, and yet our neighbors are still genuine, hard-working, and family oriented. Not to mention, unique and broad in their areas of interest and study.
After graduating High School as a homeschooled student, I was blessed to work for a wonderful attorney here in our community, whose encouragement to never quit learning sticks with me still today. Working for him launched me headlong into our community, giving me opportunities to meet people and learn new things on a daily basis.
I then decided to follow a job into the financial field, where I worked with many small-business owners helping them manage and meet financial needs and goals. I believe this is when the entrepreneurial spirit began to grow inside of me. Watching people start with a dream and slowly build it upwards instilled a goal within me to do something like that in my own life one day. I was given amazing opportunities to meet with so many leaders in our community through this period of time, which undoubtedly helped to shape me into who I am today.
In 2008, I began to follow a new plan that involved spending some time travelling abroad, working and teaching English in Italy. I spent almost two years working outside of Milan, learning to speak Italian, working with Italian children, and adjusting to a new culture and way of life. Northern Italy is very industrial, and most families in that area own family businesses and are very entrepreneurial minded. It was a great period of time for me, opening many doors and teaching me many things about life.
When I returned to the U.S.A. in the fall of 2009, I began making preparations to begin my own little business adventure, using my love for photography as my starting point. That has since turned into a very enjoyable freelance job for me, one that I hope within the next few years will continue to grow and expand.
So here’s my point… How fortunate we are to live in a country like ours and a region like ours! Where every one of us has the opportunity to learn new things, work hard and dream big! From my time spent outside of the U.S., I feel strongly that this is the best place in the world to strive for excellence by doing “common things in an uncommon way”. I believe that this truly is a place well on its way to being named the Idea Capital of the World - a place where entrepreneurs and big dreamers can live and thrive and a place where inspiration is just the beginning.
What’s your story? I’d love to hear from you! Tell me about how you or your neighbors are displaying excellence in the pursuit of new and big ideas.
Until next time,
Jen
Booker T. Washington once said, "…Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way." Here in Kentucky, I believe we display this in a most unique manner. As I observe my friends, family, clients, and neighbors, I am faced with the realization that I am blessed to be living in a community with so many people that are striving for excellence. Every day I meet people from all different walks of life, and every day I hear a new story from someone about the (oftentimes) random set of circumstances that brought them to our beloved little piece of heartland.
Growing up in the north and not moving to Elizabethtown until I was 16 years old, it was a bit of a culture shock going from the a more fast-paced northern lifestyle to the more relaxed ways of life our region can offer. But after adjusting, I soon began to realize that the easy manner in which people from our region approach things was a big key to the way of life in this community. We truly are blessed to live in a place where there are so many “big city” amenities, and yet our neighbors are still genuine, hard-working, and family oriented. Not to mention, unique and broad in their areas of interest and study.
After graduating High School as a homeschooled student, I was blessed to work for a wonderful attorney here in our community, whose encouragement to never quit learning sticks with me still today. Working for him launched me headlong into our community, giving me opportunities to meet people and learn new things on a daily basis.
I then decided to follow a job into the financial field, where I worked with many small-business owners helping them manage and meet financial needs and goals. I believe this is when the entrepreneurial spirit began to grow inside of me. Watching people start with a dream and slowly build it upwards instilled a goal within me to do something like that in my own life one day. I was given amazing opportunities to meet with so many leaders in our community through this period of time, which undoubtedly helped to shape me into who I am today.
In 2008, I began to follow a new plan that involved spending some time travelling abroad, working and teaching English in Italy. I spent almost two years working outside of Milan, learning to speak Italian, working with Italian children, and adjusting to a new culture and way of life. Northern Italy is very industrial, and most families in that area own family businesses and are very entrepreneurial minded. It was a great period of time for me, opening many doors and teaching me many things about life.
When I returned to the U.S.A. in the fall of 2009, I began making preparations to begin my own little business adventure, using my love for photography as my starting point. That has since turned into a very enjoyable freelance job for me, one that I hope within the next few years will continue to grow and expand.
So here’s my point… How fortunate we are to live in a country like ours and a region like ours! Where every one of us has the opportunity to learn new things, work hard and dream big! From my time spent outside of the U.S., I feel strongly that this is the best place in the world to strive for excellence by doing “common things in an uncommon way”. I believe that this truly is a place well on its way to being named the Idea Capital of the World - a place where entrepreneurs and big dreamers can live and thrive and a place where inspiration is just the beginning.
What’s your story? I’d love to hear from you! Tell me about how you or your neighbors are displaying excellence in the pursuit of new and big ideas.
Until next time,
Jen
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