Bryan Saums

Teacher / Trainer / Instructional Designer      

Email: saumsb@gmail.com

Blog: www.bryansaums.blogspot.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bryansaums

Twitter: @saumsb
Curriculum Vitae

                       

Member

(Formerly ASTD, American Society for Training and Development)

Transformational: ASTD Conference:

This week's ASTD 2014 International Conference & EXPO (ICE) was transformational on many levels. 

I was personally transformed by the conference thanks to a powerful, unforgettable conversation in a deli near the convention center where I innocently popped in to quickly pick up a cuppa joe and a heavily smeared pumpernickel bagel. Two hours later I left after a powerful conversation with Pat and Angela that still requires time for reflection. Angela taught me how two people, so different on the outside, can go through such similar life journeys and internal dialogue. The human experience can be much more shared that we realize.

The workshop led by Vicki Halsey (left) was professionally transforming. Vicki gave us an elegant framework for designing any teaching/training experience, be it face-to-face or in the distance-learning environment. She based her workshop on her book Brilliance by Design. Hearing Vicki speak and her gift of her book was my "rock star moment" of the conference. I've already started to dig into her book, and I am really impressed.

I went to several sessions covering the neurology of learning. I am going to deeply research this topic since everything in the body happens at the cellular level. I am hungry to learn what happens at the cellular level during learning...

...And with blessed serendipity, my last conversation of the conference was about the neurology of learning. Geoff Peate, in D.C. from Australia, really knows his stuff on this topic.

ICE was a preeminent networking event.

I probably passed out 150 business cards and have dozens and dozens of people I must reach out to. I met fascinating people during two "meet 'n eat" dinners and had a great walk to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum with Cindy Petersen of the Taubman Museum of Art for the networking dinner. While I met many fine folk at the museum, my conversation with Mark Magnussen of The Citadel was particularly fascinating.

My brother Ned and I ate at a restaurant near the Nats' stadium the day after the conference. The sign on the door next to the restaurant pretty much sums up my new mantra. As my experience at ICE demonstrates, if you want to transform yourself or your students, you must engage.

ASTD CONFERENCE

ASTD conference general session. Start of a great day!

I Had No Idea

One of my students wrote this lovely email to me after reading my admissions essay to Franklin University...

Congratulations and good luck, Professor!

This must have been quite a decision for you and your family to make at this point in your lives.

An instructor I’ve taken twice now always says that she learns from us every day and mentions how learning should never stop, something you’ve also said.  I agree wholeheartedly and view myself as a student of Life, hoping to absorb as much as I can, while I can.

You are not simply an inspiration as a professional, but personally, as well.  I heard you on the first day of class tell of yours and your wife’s journey, and then use it as an example as to why we should always be present.  I have since watched you arrive to every single class and lecture accordingly, despite what else may be going on in your life, and yet, openly sharing it.

While I am not dealing with a terminal illness in my immediate family, the strength necessary to take on every day translates very easily to me, as I am a single mother of an eight year-old boy, working 3 jobs while maintaining a 3.5 GPA in school, where I am a Phi Theta Kappa member.  I am the only person in my family to have gone to college, and I am the only good example my son has in his life.

Having known people like you is a reminder as to why I am so driven, and an encouragement to maintain that drive.  Right now it is my son I am inspiring, but, one day, I may be in your shoes and reach many more.

I will never forget the strength you show daily.  I am so glad to have had the opportunity to learn from you.  Thank you.

Again, good luck in pursuing where life takes you.  I know you will be successful.

I am going back to school in the fall. Here's my admissions essay to Franklin University, Columbus, Ohio--

Prayer of Gratitude

I recently read that life should be lived with gratitude. I like that idea. After reading it, I came up with this prayer. I keep this prayer as my desktop background. It works for me. If it works for you, you're welcome to it.

Programs that Help Adults in the Columbus Area Find Employment

Photo Kevin Wooldridge

If you're looking for employment in Central Ohio, you may find this document inspiring:

JOB HELP: Programs that Help Adults in the Columbus Area Find Employment

And who knows? You might find someone who bestows an act of kindness upon you if you reach out to folks involved in these employment programs.

Happy job hunting!