397: Aggressive Optimism with Jenna Edwards

A unique coming of age story, Aggressive Optimism explores the complex landscape of mental health, the importance of solidarity, and the power of perseverance.'Nif is a talented singer trapped in a small hometown. Though she thrives in her choir, she longs for a life in Hollywood. After a breakthrough solo performance, her talents are recognized by a popular media personality and her hopes for her big break soar. Until a devastating accident derails her dreams and confronts her with new and unexpected challenges.  With the help of her family and dear friends, Nif must reassemble the pieces of her life and discover a wellspring of inner strength. In the process, her aggressive optimism becomes a source of inspiration, not only for herself but for those around her.'Bio - Jenna EdwardsGrowing up in the middle of Minnesota's cornfields, Jenna had some big dreams. She wanted to make people laugh on TV, inspire change, and travel the world. Life wasn't easy, though. Born to teenage parents who split when she was three, Jenna faced poverty and abuse until her mom took a stand, and they escaped.In her early twenties, Jenna set off for Los Angeles, to make her dreams come true. She even landed a role on the legendary "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" show. Imagine inheriting Buffy's powers! But then, a terrible accident shook her world. She struggled with debilitating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) but learned that asking for help is a sign of strength, just like Buffy asking her friends for help.Websitewww.jennaedwards.comSocial Media InformationIG @jennaedwardsofficialResources MentionedBig Magic - Elizabeth GilbertShow Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE) www.nape.org.ukSupport the show at www.educationonfire.com/supportHave you seen our live shows on YouTube? www.EducationOnFire.com/youtube

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Do you feel the education system is sucking the life out of you and the pupils you serve? I think many of us wish we could click our fingers and make it fit for purpose. A place of growth with shared learning that empowers pupils to be their best selves, so they can create a world they want to inhabit now and in the future. While a magic wand or a visionary politician might sound like the answer I believe change is already happening. Educators are changing futures one conversation at a time. New technology and the environments where we learn are beginning to look different both in and out of the classroom. I hope you are seeing this first hand and are excited about what you can share with your pupils. We are having conversations, sharing organisations and communities that are supporting education in a way that you may have not experienced. Educational change will come from us all working in way that supports the best interests of each of our pupils, personalised learning. Governments and policy makers will follow when they see fully how it can be different. So let us teach, coach, mentor and create an environment that fuels every child with feedback, inspiration, resilience and empowerment. The Education on Fire community is shining the torch, so no matter where you are in the world or how you are supporting children this podcast is here for you. ‘Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.’