Irene Briggs

Overcoming the fear of Cultural Identity to Pursue a College Degree

During my junior year in high school and as a Mexican-American woman, I was told by my counselor that I was not college material nor smart enough to go to college because I was 'Mexican' and just needed to graduate, get married and have children. The sad thing about this was she told my two younger sisters the same thing! The challenge I faced was to overcome the fear of those identifiers and pursue my education. I learned to step outside of man-made borders, crush any self-imposed stereotypes and ultimately pursue an end degree through this journey. I want my story to be an encouragement and influence to anyone that limits themselves within so they can unwrap those limitations and pursue their dreams for their future.

Sarah Mitchell

A Single Step

I wake up at 5 am, get myself and 4 kids dressed and fed, then out the door by 6:45 am. School and work from 8 am - 5 pm, pick the kids up, home, dinner, baths, story-time, bedtime, study, prepare for the next day, and fall into bed myself. I juggle many spinning plates each day, I get stressed, scared, and exhausted, but I continue to forge ahead. Let me back up, you see about 3 years ago I laid in bed completely paralyzed with fear and depression, I could not even get up to tend to my children. I can remember laying there, just staring out into space, and hearing my children's voices in the background as they watched TV in our living room. At the time I was 7 years deep into a very toxic relationship, filled with manipulation, alcoholism, and abuse. I did not know who I was, what I wanted, or what I even believed in any more. One night at a church gathering, after hearing a woman tell her captivating story, I felt that I needed to talk to her. I was so scared but at some point I decided that this was a window, if I didn't jump now, I may not have the opportunity ever again; knowing that was even scarier than walking up to her. It is amazing how taking that single step has led to such an amazingly beautiful and incredible journey. 

Aisha Taylor

Faith. Fear. Resilience. How To Bounce Back & Reclaim Your Educational Career

After my most terrifying day in education, speaking out about it, and the pressure of having to pass an exam. My career was in jeopardy and I did not know if I would ever be able to do what I love to do again. It took the attributes of Faith, Fear, and Resilience to overcome one of the most challenging times in my life. Being confident about your strengths helps you draw courage and resolution when the going gets tough in life. It helps us to keep things in perspective and back yourself when everyone else says that the task ahead is nearly impossible to complete. Can Grit actually be taught? Your mindset will determine your success.

Alfredo Alberto

Disconnect from the Digital to Reconnect to the Meaningful

Social media was design to manipulate our dopamine function every time we check our Facebook feed, Tweets, and Instagram. Learn how addiction to social media is real and if we do not respond creates the fear of missing out. Learn how the blue light emitting from your phone can affect your sleep and potentially cause disease according to Harvard Health Publishing. We will also explore Electromagnetic Frequency Radiation and how it can be harmful to our overall health.

Cory Colby

Fear of Being Alone

For someone, especially an educator, who feels like they are the only one in moving forward in innovative ways or who believes that they have a passion that isn't shared by anyone else around them, the fear of being all alone can be overwhelming. This workshop will explore how those who feel isolated in their professional environments can find, and even create, shared communities known as PLNs online and be empowered to "go rogue" in their professional growth. Learn about becoming a connected professional and finding your community through Twitter edchats by creating your handle, participating in a mock edchat, and more. Bring your preferred electronic device and leave being scared and alone behind by creating a PLN of learners

Marian Chaney and Janet Flores

The Gift of Fear

Violent acts are not as random or unpredictable as one might believe. Gavin de Becker, a national expert on violent behavior, writes about how to spot signs of danger and protect yourself and those you love. Attend this workshop to learn more about de Becker's work and ways to spot danger signals others miss. Leave with a better sense of how intuition and fear work together to keep you safe as well as a confidence that, like every animal in nature, warnings signs are in you.

Victor Escalante

Tough Talk Without Heart and Soul is Just Noise Making

This highly interactive session is for everyone that needs the skills to be able to connect with a loved one, a client, or a tough audience. The content matter is useful for attendees from beginner to expert level communicators in being more effective in delivering tough talk. The presenter has three decades of experience in working with individuals and groups to produce change. He spent ten years as a consultant with the West Texas Corrections and Adult Supervision Department working with offenders on probation for chemical dependency and doing gang intervention. His style is entertaining and fast moving.

Jennifer Fairweather

A Caregiver's Journey: How I didn't become consumed

Caregiving naturally comes with many fears that go unspoken. The focus is on the patient and giving the best care available to our loved ones. But, what about us? Caregivers are notorious for helping others while neglecting their own needs. I will give you an authentic and transparent view of my journey as well as my deepest, darkest fears, and how I fight to keep my emotional and physical health robust.

Dr. Ericka Landry

The Courage to Teach: Facing Fears in the Classroom

Cristina Nader, Stephanie Perea and Dr. David Hao

#TRIOWorks, #TRIOHasGrit, #TRIOisFearless

The audience will better understand how to help undergraduate students overcome fears and develop grit in very practical, cost-effective, and time sensitive ways. They will learn about the three concepts of a growth mindset, social straddling, and imposter syndrome. They will have knowledge of the leading authors discussing these concepts such as Carol Dweck, Angela Duckworth, Dalton Conley, and Malcolm Gladwell.