This is my first-ever blog post!
I used to consider myself somewhat computer literate, however once it came time to create this blog. I felt a little intimidated. I’m not exactly sure why. I have made sites before using Google Sites and I have worked with WordPress before, however, WordPress is not my first tool of choice, but being the stubborn individual that I am I decided to use it to gain experience with something different. It took a little bit of youtube videos and following along step by step with those youtube videos to get my mind back in the Word Press frame of mind.
So, here I am! Blogging! I feel so extra, and I love it!
THE GOOD >THE BAD OF SOCIAL MEDIA
Retrieved from: https://www.intrust.org/how-we-help/resource-center/news-insights/social-media-strategies-for-good-times-and-bad
My relationship with social media has been filled with both positives and negatives. Some of the positives that I have experienced are the wide variety of networking opportunities it has provided for me. Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram have helped me not only in my personal life with staying connected to family and friends who live hours or countries away but also kept me connected professionally with colleagues, potential employers as well and industry leaders in my field of Literacy within Education. Some of the very best inspiration in my profession comes from a few of the accounts that I follow on Instagram. It gives me the spirit I need to keep fighting the good fight, and getting through some very tough times I have had, especially since we are experiencing a Reading war within the Literacy field currently. Without the inspiration and professional leadership some of these individuals have provided to me I would not be the Literacy consultant I am currently. Social media has also provided a space for me to build my brand. My husband and I love to create, we create many things from furniture, to T-Shirts, you name it. We built ourselves a little brand called “Creekside Customs” a few years ago and had a little following of people who would put in orders and keep us busy. Since then we have become too busy to keep it going, however it still brings us joy to create items for people here and there. Without social media, getting our name out there would have been near impossible. Social media has also been a great resource to use when promoting some of the events that I have held. Both personally and professionally, I enjoy hosting events. Professionally I host a couple of large-scale events such as the STEM fair, as well as our Virtual School Grad, without the use of Facebook to share when, where, and what time these events are taking place and posting the posters on there, these events would not be as well attended by the community as they have been. I always like to post a live video or create a cool Reel for the STEM fair to get students, parents, and the community interested. On a personal level, social media has aided me in hosting events such as Ropings, and Rodeos that I organize. It’s been next level to realize the reach that it provides me when competitors who come to our events from other countries like the USA, and far away provinces, like BC and Ontario. Overall Social media has provided me with a lot of great opportunities to showcase whatever it is I decided to host, there is always something! (mostly because I can’t stay still)
With the good, must also come the bad. Sometimes I find myself spending too much time caught up in scrolling. It can take time away from family and friends, and it’s always the best for my mental health. I CARE! A LOT! So when someone rudely posts negative things, it can affect me deeply. For this reason, I find myself having to step away and take time with my family and reflect. I find doing things like reading an unrelated book, or crafting helps me to find balance. Here is an article that I found that speak to this notion of mental health and social media. I often find myself reflecting on the things I CAN control and making sure those things are in order. What others post on their social media accounts, is something I CANNOT control. As consumers all have to be ok with this and sometimes that is easier said than done. Everyone likes to be keyboard warriors when they are in the comfort of their own homes, however, as an observer of other people’s opinions, I am constantly working on filtering out the negative and trying to focus on the positive.
Thanks for sharing Shasta- you seem to know your way around the tech world pretty efficiently! What’s your top 3 favourite platforms to use for teaching?
Thank you! Although I still have so much to learn! My favourite would have to be Youtube, Facebook Reels ( I wish I could say TikTok but i never did join TikTok, I was going to join for this class because there is so much on there I feel would benefit my learning journey, so we shall see, I heard that it was Banned In the USA> so if it doesn’t get banned here I will definitely be joining) and my third choice would have to be Instagram.
What an inspiring post! I love that you and your husband found a creative outlet with Creekside Customs—it’s such a gift to share that kind of passion with someone close. It’s also heartening to hear how Instagram serves as both a professional resource and a source of personal inspiration. Times are indeed challenging, especially in fields like literacy where the stakes feel so high. Dr. Jody Carrington’s words, “We’re all walking each other home,” resonate deeply here. Your ability to use social media as a space for connection, inspiration, and creativity reminds me of how much power we have to uplift each other, even in tough times. Thank you for sharing!