My Stroke of Luck: On the Road to Recovery (3 of 3)

Taken a month after my mini-stroke.
With Tess, workout buddy and makeup artist

My husband once told me, "Mama, pag nagkakasakit ang tao, may dapat magbago." (Mama, sickness will prompt you to change). He left it there. I knew all along what he meant. Because he is Papadoms, he respected my time and space to make the change. Because I am Zarah Gagatiga, I have to experience a life threatening event to make the change.

I am in a period of adjustment. I can't say I am one hundred percent liking it. But, this is something I need to do. There are nights when I sleep with fear in my heart and no matter how hard I pray, the fear won't go away. It can be worse in the morning because I wake up with the same fear. It is the emotional and psychological aspect of surviving a stroke that gnaws at me. It is taking me a while to accept my vulnerability.

I know it has not been easy for my husband to accompany me on this road to recovery. I can be a drama queen. Really. But I think about his many sacrifices, his devotion to duty and his quiet endurance to take on life's hardships. This is no longer the time to act like a brat. I think about Zoe. How strong she has been. She saw me crumbling on a heap on the floor. She saw me rise up again and was there for me at the ER. She was practically the one who worked on my admission papers and medical registration in Makati Med. I share Nico's dreams and I wonder at how he could take things in stride. For one, he is in no rush to take on more subjects this summer and in the coming semester. He simply wants to run as the course dictates him so. That boy can listen to his heart. And he listens well.

So, I have to live. I need to live. I must be brave.

I have recently read somewhere that fear's purpose is to rob you of the joys of living a full life. Being afraid is close to not living at all. The other night, Zoe and I were talking about decision making. She explained to me her "calculations", her bases for arriving at a decision. That's it. That's that.

I know a change is imminent. My question to myself is this: what to lessen in my life now so I can enjoy it more? There are things that need to let go. Attachments bound and strung so deep that it needs to be cut. This not only about my workshops and speaking engagements. There is more to this experience than just handling a busy schedule. I heard a former co-teacher say that getting sick is a blessing because it is God's way to cleanse the spirit. This makes me think how healing could mean something else. It does not always mean being free of a physical ailment.

I will endure. Perhaps not as quiet as my husband's ways. I will be strong and yes, there will be days I will falter. I will to listen to my heart and to my body and allow them to run the course. It is time to be kind to myself.

There is so much grace to be had.

My Stroke of Luck: Trying to Make Sense of It All (2 of 3)

I write this a month after my stroke. I am still trying to make sense of it all.

Something in my gut tells me that I have spread myself too thinly. I realize that slowing down is no longer an option. It is a must! I need to give up multi-tasking of work and responsibilities. I must learn how to pace my activities. It is difficult for me to say no, but I can't do everything. I must make wise choices on projects to pursue and advocacies to champion. And boy, these are not easy things to do. Knowing me, my first enemy is myself.

A week after I got out of the hospital, I had a follow up visit with my neurologist. I had a dozen of questions for her. The medical term for the stroke I had is Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), also known as mini-stroke. All my tests, from MRI to EEG, ultrasound of the carotid arteries to 2D echo didn't show negative impressions. My blood chemistry results, however, show a high cholesterol count and plaque build up in my arteries has begun.

On the bright side, TIA can be medically managed. Age and genetics are two factors that medical science cannot control though. A change in lifestyle and age appropriate choices can be done. So now, I am taking blood thinners and Lipitor. Drinking warm water diluted with honey and apple cider vinegar in the morning and before going to bed has been part of my routine. I have observed eating a low calorie diet since my weight loss program in 2014 (OplanBalik Alindog) but now, I strictly follow a white meat, low fat, veggie diet. I have lost 6 lbs already. It sounds drastic. Yes, the worrier that I am, I go "praning" on days when I feel so low. Maybe I need to walk or run again.

People say I am strong and courageous. But what they do not know is that, fear and anxiety still rest in my heart. I worry. A lot. I drive my husband crazy. My kids are exasperated with me at times. What comforts me is the thought that I am still alive. I go to bed at night praying for light, for healing, for God to grant me with a listening heart and a feeling mind. Honestly, there are times, when even this does not seem to work for me.

But I go on. I talk to my body organs. I apologize if I tire them out at the end of the day. I promise to take care of myself by following my neurologist's treatment plan for me. The nutrionist advised me to eat a low fat diet. I have religiously done so since I was discharged from Makati Medical Center on Friday night, three days after the stroke. Believe it or not, I was cleared fit to go back to work the following Monday. That was the only advise by my neurologist that I didn't follow. I was scared to push myself. I still am fearful of another attack.

Indeed, it is my luck to survive this stroke. But the road to recovery is another story.

The Big Reveal: My Stroke of Luck (1 of 3)

In the morning of April 27, 2016, I woke up with a leg cramp. Strange, I told myself. The last time I had a cramp this bad was when I was seven months pregnant with Zoe. I shook my left leg, but the cramp won't go. It got worse. I felt numbness in my left leg. Gathering my will, I stood up to leave the bedroom so I can start my day. I made a couple of steps: right foot, then left.

I fumbled for support. The door handle. The wall. The nearest chair in the living the room. The numbness moved up my body and that brief electric shock that ran up my left arm surprised me. I knew I fell because, I found myself bent on my right knee and my head was so close to the living room floor. That was when I realized that something abnormal happened to me.

I am a very active person. I rarely fall and wobble. I did cross fit training for two years. I asked myself what went wrong.

The weight of the fall was tremendous. I lay on my back and that's when a throbbing pain made me realize that a lump was growing on the left side of head near my forehead. Zoe was sleeping in the next room so I crawled to where she was. I woke her up.

I wanted to go to the nearest hospital and have myself checked, but that week, there were deadlines to beat and meetings to attend to. Zoe awoke and she was surprised to find me breaking out in a cold sweat. I told her, I need to go to work. But I fell and my head was so painful. I lay on the floor for a couple of minutes to catch my breath. When I finally came to, I stood up, went to the bathroom and washed my face. The lump was staring right back at me when I looked at the bathroom mirror.

No to work. Yes to hospital.

I told Zoe to get ready. I called my husband and told him what happened and where I intended to go. I then called a family friend who drives a van so he can bring us to Makati Medical Center ASAP. My fall happened at 6.28AM. We were hitting the exit toll to SLEX at 7AM. All the while I was praying despite my fears. The painful lump on my head grew as big as my palm. I sent text messages to our HR, Head of School and school leadership telling them I couldn't go to work; that I am on my way to the ER of Makati Med; and that I need a lot of prayers. At 7.50AM, I was at the ER of Makati Medical Center. I narrated  to the nurse on duty what happened an hour or so ago. In less than three minutes, the nurse at the triage section endorsed me to Acute/Critical Care.

I was brought to a bed and a very young female doctor, whose name I can't remember now, asked me to smile, to stick out my tongue, to grasp her hands with mine, to press my hands on her hands as hard as I can. She proceeded with more tests on both my legs by asking me for feelings of numbness and weakness. I said none. She ran a finger on my legs, on my arms. I told her I can feel the sensation. She told me to lift my legs as she pressed on each, left then right. I responded. She told me to look and follow her forefinger from left to right. I did that too. She asked me to touch her forefinger using my own, then back to my nose several times. Got that right as well. We were like two kids playing a game.

When it was over, she said, "Ma'am, you had a stroke. It can happen within 48 hours so we need to run a set of routine tests for you. You have to be admitted. Now."

Webinar Type Session at PNULISAA Conference 2016

Here is a video I used as an introduction to my webinar during the PNULISSA Conference 2016.

The PPT I made that has a recording of my voice to narrate each slide is in the linkStriking the Balance Both the video and PPT were used yesterday for my session in the PNULISAA Conference. An online chat over at Hangouts to accommodate questions followed afterwards.

I thank the officers of PNULISAA for making this webinar possible. Tomorrow, I will post a "big reveal" as to why I opted for this format for my session.

Striking the Balance: The Changing Landscape of Collection Development

Learning With Technology: Snagit

Because technology is a tool for learning new things, I tried Snagit. It is an app extension available via Google Chrome. Using an old presentation in Google Drive, I recorded a narration to go along with the slides. It's fun!

This is just a trial, a sample  of good things to come using technology for teaching and instruction.

Take a look! Listen!

Throwback: 21st Century Collection Development for School Libraries

In 2012, I gave a talk on school library development. It was a joint session on reading campaigns and promotional activity by Candy Gourlay. The seminar-workshop was sponsored by Scholastic. Here is the presentation I made.

21st century collection development from Zarah Gagatiga

An Online Auction: The Hunger Games

This came from Invaluable.com. An online auction on Hunger Games movie memorabilia. May the odds be ever in your favor!

This auction, The World of The Hunger Games Auction, starts at 11:00 AM PST on May 20 and will feature 450 noteworthy lots. The auction features props and outfits from all four of The Hunger Games films. Items include Katniss’ Mockingjay propaganda outfit from The Mockingjay - Part 1, Katniss’ District 12 hunting bow and signature brown leather jacket from The Mockingjay - Part 2, Peeta’s arena wetsuit from Catching Fire, as well as props used by characters President Snow, Gale Hawthorne, Effie Trinket, Haymitch Abernathy, and more.

But it’s time for The Reaping for these iconic pieces of memorabilia from The Hunger Games - an amazing opportunity for fans and movie enthusiasts alike to have a chance to own these props. Here are a few lots for example:

Lot 272: Katniss Everdeen Mockingjay propaganda ensemble from The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1

Estimated price: $15,000 - $20,000

Iconic “The Mockingjay” ensemble includes: a black canvas long sleeve zip-front jacket with interwoven nylon strap detail at the front, unique high collar piece descending into tiered shoulder pads, and integral black rubber forearm guard, a pair of black self-striped pants with cargo pockets retaining internal bias label marked “KE 5,” and a pair of black high-top boots with zipper and lace closures.

Lot 6: Katniss Everdeen hero wooden District 12 hunting bow from The Hunger Games

Estimated price: $8,000 - $12,000

Katniss’ signature hero wooden longbow used during her hunting trips with Gale in District 12. Measuring 59.75 in. long (unstrung), the longbow is crafted of dark stained wood and features wrapped twine reinforcement. Appears in The Hunger Games and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, as well as one of the final sequences in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2.

Lot 446: Katniss Everdeen hunting ensemble with bow from The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2

Estimated price: $12,000 - $15,000

Katniss’ instantly recognizable signature brown leather hunting jacket with elastic detail at sides and zipper front closure. Includes a long sleeve oatmeal henley retaining internal bias label marked “KE4,” and a pair of olive flat-front pants retaining internal bias label marked “KE 5,” an olive belt with metal buckle, and a pair of gray canvas Israeli low-lace boots.

Feel free to check out their other collectibles and movie props.

Book Review: Mommy Loves You Just The Same

Today is the virtual launch of Mommy Loves You Just The Same, an ebook about a family's anticipation of a new baby in the family. The ebook is written by Ma. Teresa Gumap-as Dumadag and illustrated by Jia Rubio Montserrat. This is Ms. Dumadag's first book intended for children. Read about my interview with her.  Mommy Loves You Just the Same is published by Full Life Cube.

The ebook is created by mothers. Both Ms. Dumadag and Ms. Montserrat are parents of young children. That is why, it is not surprising that the book is meant to impart to children family values that any parent wishes their children to carry on in life. Such is the primary purpose of stories in our culture. We believe that by telling stories, through book format, it is the best way to approach the communication of these values like respect, sibling love and personal responsibility to our children and others too.

In Mommy Loves You Just The Same, the adult voice is very strong in emphasizing these values. Even the child character is very happy to be anticipating a new sibling. Love is a strong driving force to amplify acceptance and a new responsibility. There is no room for anxiety and jealousy in this book because the message is clear: mother does not play favorites since she loves each child the same way. Each sibling went through a period of growth and development and mother and father were there to care for each. Older siblings are part of this care taking having cared for when they were younger. Such a proactive stance on child care and parenting.

In the real world, however, this ideal can be marred by fears and insecurities. Sibling rivalry happens and the green eyed monster is just waiting on the wings! There have been Filipino picture books written about this. The "infanticipation" process is never easy, much more, the relationship between siblings. But, responsible parents can make the transition and the struggle a little less stressful for the children as well as for themselves. It is no joke raising kids these days and parents need all the help they can get.

Mommy Loves You Just The Same is that book! It is not only meant for the child reader. It is for parents who are going through the peaks and valleys of parenthood.

Since the format of the book is digital, I felt constricted by space. There is wonder in opening a book's page. The ebook does not work that wonder for me as far as illustrated ebooks are concerned. There are exceptions though. I will share an example, in a future post.

The drawings are playful and the accompanying color scheme promotes a happy mood. There is a texture felt and seen in Montserrat's illustrations. In a printed format, it would look more sensorial. Anyway, ebook publishing is the trend. What better way to make it grow, but to dive into this medium and explore! I suppose, the accompanying coloring book fills in this multi-sensory aspect of the book and further extends the engagement of digital text to the actual material.

For a copy of the book, go to this Hands On Parenting. For freebies and special giveaways, visit the book's Facebook Page.

Congratulations to Ms. Dumadag and Ms. Montserrat! It is my hope to see Full Life Cube take on more materials to publish for children and parents.

NLP's 3rd International Children's and Young Adult Services in Libraries

NCBD Book Fair 2016 and PBBY Workshops

Filipino Librarian of the Month: Ma. Fatima D. Delfin

Our Filipino Librarian of the month is Ma. Fatima "Phia" D. Delfin. Phia graduated with a Bachelor in Secondary Education degree, major in Library Science at the PNU. In 2008, she earned her Master of Education in Library and Information Science at the same university. She is a librarian of the Makati DepEd Library Hub. 

Read more about her work and the challenges she face as a library hub librarian. Her story is pretty inspiring!

How long have you been working as a Library Hub librarian in the Division of Makati?

I started working on February 2, 2009; it has been 7 years now.  The Division Library Hub is serving the 28 Elementary and 10 Secondary Schools in the Division.  

What challenges do you face and encounter as a Library Hub librarian?

*Provision for New Books.  

Our Hub had the same books since it started its operation in August 2009. 

I often hear the question, “Wala na ba kayong bago libro?!” from teacher-librarians.  The ‘Sawa’ factor might kick in anytime soon.  Though there have been minimal donations from institutions and individuals, I believe it is still not enough to satisfy the need or demand.

There is a provision prohibiting the purchase of books through the MOOE (Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses)

*School Libraries/Teacher-Librarians Concerns.  

For seven years, I was able to build relationships with the teacher-librarians in each school.  I have heard all their sad stories and difficulties, and sometimes it saddens me that school libraries are always taken for granted.  I believe that supportive administrators always equate to beautiful and functional libraries.

How do you overcome these challenges?

It would be beneficial if you change the way you look at things and to never stop thinking and finding ways to overcome these challenges.   

What are you happiest about your job?  

Just the sight of a child reading makes me extremely happy.

Author of the Month: Ma. Teresa Gumap-as Dumadag

I have the pleasure of interviewing Ma. Teresa Gumap-as Dumadag, author and breastfeeding advocate, about her new children's book, Mommy Loves You Just the Same. She shares with us her recommended books for parents to read aloud to their kids and the books that inspired her to become a better mom. Her thoughts on the pros and cons of self publishing lend insight for other authors out there who contemplate on taking this route.

Mommy Loves You Just the Same is an ebook published by Full Life Cube and will have a launching online on May 19, 2016.

Mommy Loves You Just the Same is your first children's book. Congratulations! You have written non-fiction books for adult readers. What was the experience like for you to move from this genre and into children's story writing?  

I was more comfortable writing for adults because I was used to speaking and teaching adults in my line of work as a Consultant for management, human resources and training solutions, as a Career Coach and Counselor and a Speaker. But as I grew more confident in caring for my children and raising them, I entertained the thought of publishing my own children’s book more and more.

It has been my dream to write for children since I became a parent. I loved reading to my kids. It’s one of my favorite bonding moments with them. I have read countless books for them in the past years. These wonderful books that we found inspired me to write my own story about our family life. These books also inspired me to create stories that carry the lessons I want them to learn. Stories are very powerful in bringing our message across. Being a homeschooling mom further strengthened my desire to teach through children’s stories that I myself wrote.

Many Filipino writers are experimenting and migrating into self-publishing online. What are the pros and cons of this business model?

 The pros of this business model are the following: 

• It’s easier and faster to have your book published because you don’t need to wait for traditional publishers to like your work or to wait for publishers to include your book in their publishing schedule.
• You can earn more if you know how to reach a wider audience or a bigger number of people.
• You have more freedom on how your book would look like or how it would be marketed.

The cons are:

• All costs would be on you.
• You need to do all the work or you need to find a good and reliable team who will help you achieve your goals for your book.
• You don’t have the connections or network that the traditional or established publishers have.

What are your top 5 recommended picture books or story books for parents to read aloud to their kids?

Oh, there are so many wonderful books for children! It’s hard to choose only 5. It also depends on what lessons you’d like them to learn from the books you’ll read.

• My top of mind picks are I’d Choose You by John Trent, PhD and Love You Forever by Robert Munsch.
• The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein  
• For babies and very young children, my favorites are the books written by Sandra Boynton like The Going to Bed Book and Hey! Wake Up! My kids love these books so much that they were able to memorize these books right away after reading these to them daily for 1 week when we first bought these books.
• The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle is also one of our favorites. The kids love this simple story with colorful illustrations.
• We also love the Oh Mateo series of books, especially Book 5: The Growling Tummy.

 What are the top 3 books that shaped who you are as a mother?

• Love You Forever by Robert Munsch
• The Power of a Praying Mom and The Power of a Praying Parent both by Stormie Omartian
• The Parent Map by Dr. Harold Sala

If you were to leave your kids a book to read for the rest of their lives, what is it?

The Holy Bible would be that book. 

A New Book Project With Jomike Tejido

I am thankful to Jomike Tejido for accepting, once more, a collaborative project with me. We are going to free a bird this time.

See Jomike's studies on our new children's book project. Again, Lampara Books agreed to support our creative pursuits.

Study 1: This is the cover page of our new book, The Day Max Flew Away.

I am excited to see how Jomike is going to interpret my story. From the studies he has shown me so far, it looked neat and well designed. He is going to paint this time. I am not sure if he is going to use a banig as his canvas.

Study 2: Here is one of the book's inner pages. 

There is a father, a mother, a boy and a little girl. Notice the birds and the cat at the bottom right panel. Who is that character with a hat? Make a guess! Do you have an idea what the story is all about?

Backstories of Dear Nanay and My Daddy! My One and Only!

Because it is Mother's Day, and Father's Day is next month, I am sharing this short interview of Iyra Buenrostro, from two years ago, about my writing life. Though brief, you'll get a glimpse of where I get inspiration in writing stories.

Ano po yung inspiration ninyo for writing your books?  (What is your inspiration for writing your books?)

My inspiration to write is my family, primarily, my kids. My Daddy! My One and Only! is the story of my son and husband. 

Dear Nanay is a personal story of mine. My father worked abroad in the early 80s. Nangulila ako sa tatay ng dalawang taon. Nung 2002, na-inspire ako magsulat ng tula tungkol sa isang anak na namimiss ang nanay nya na Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW). Naisulat ko ang kwento pauwi from Singapore. Galing akong congress noon on storytelling. Ang daming OFW na Pinay sa plane puro pasalubong ang dala!

Do you have a specific advocacy as regards Philippine children's literature? 

Produce quality books; fair royalties and professional fees to writers. Mas malaki palagi sa publisher ang share.

Dear Nanay is illustrated by Liza Flowers. My Daddy! My One and Only! is illustrated by Jomike Tejido. Both books are published by Lampara Books.

Book Review: 12:01

12:01
Russell Molina and Kajo Baldisimo
Anino Comics

In February, as the nation celebrated the 30th anniversary of the EDSA Revolution, Anino Comics and the EDSA People Power Commission launched a graphic novel set during the last years of Martial Law and the 1986 People Power revolution.

It begins with four friends, band mates who missed the curfew. Afraid of being caught by the police, they sought refuge in an abandoned printing press where one of them recognized it as his father's former workplace. Narrating the story of his father's capture by the Metrocom, the reader gets an overview of law enforcement during the Marcos years. The story escalates as the band mates move away from their hiding place only to find a jeepney driver in search of his daughter who went missing after  several rallies and mobilization in Tondo, Manila. Alas, the police caught up with them and a few good men heeded the call of the brave. The story ends at a concert during the height of the EDSA 1986 Revolution. The band mates are playing their song not just for freedom, but in memory of their fallen comrade.

What worked

Molina is a gifted storyteller. He is honest and truthful in his use of words. What you read is what you get with Russell and yet, he is able to simultaneously layer events and emotions into a multi-dimensional story. Molina, in 12:01 is not just telling the story of four friends dreaming of hitting it big in the music industry. He is also telling us how these dreams can be crushed or actualized by forces bigger than ourselves. Tragedy is just around corner, but he shows readers how people can live through such evil things.

Baldisimo's illustration is dynamic. It is kinetic where it should be. It is haunting and nostalgic at exactly the right panels. It is dramatic and melancholic as need be. The broken coffee cup. The old picture frame. The drum sticks that lay unmoved on top of a garbage can. His drawings enhance and enrich Molina's skilled storytelling. And the book cover! Powerful.

What did not work

This is more of a suggestion, really. I hope Anino Comics get to read this review.

There are three songs inserted in the graphic novel: Hala, Tahan Na and Gising Na. These songs are juxtaposed perfectly into the plot of the story. But, it would have been a cool way to engage teenagers to read the graphic novel if there are guitar chords or tab for these songs. Add a recording in MP4 or MP3 format that can be streamed online or downloaded for  a fee, then what we get is a multimedia material for the digital native.

Rating: Four bookmarks over five

Book Review: The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do In Life and In Business

The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do In Life and In Business
Charles Duhigg
Penguin Random House,


This is a book I have always wanted to read and do a review about. As I am very much interested in how the human brain works, The Power of Habit meets this interest and more!

I enjoyed reading about the human brain's physiological make up and its capacity to work wonders in the human body and, yes, in one's spirituality (this is just me and my reading of the book). Neuroscience still has a lot to tell us about our brain. How it has the capacity to rewire itself, to grow and to evolve! We are changing, learning beings and our habits manifest this dynamism.

Charles Duhigg begins by telling stories of people who underwent changes in the brain both by choice and by chance. Through the stories of real life people overcoming challenges that affected their physical and personal well being, I realized how powerful the human brain can be if we are mindful and aware of how to make use of it. Duhigg elaborates this cognitive power with more stories of groups of people interacting in the workplace, in the community and, at large, in the bigger global society.

Habits begin with the individual person. But the person is not removed from the bigger and wider world. I find the stories inspiring most especially the ones about change beginning from within so that others can be influenced by it. Our habits shape our identities. Our habits have an effect on the environment we live in.

I am recommending this to readers who wish to better themselves in business or in the pursuit of one's passion. Give this book shelf space in your library or in your e-reader.

Rating: Four bookmarks over five.

The Challenges High School Librarians Face in Light of the Senior High School Program

Last April 25, 2016, on a Monday, three high school librarians from Don Bosco Makati came to see us at the Academy. They were Anna, Zita and Theo. They spent half a day with us in conversation on library services for high school students, the changes that librarians need to manage in light of the Senior High School curriculum and PAASCU accreditation.

With Zita, Theo and Anna of Don Bosco Makati High School

Needless to say, it was an interesting visit since they had a glimpse of the programs and services we do at the Academy and I, once more, heard a first hand account of the challenges that high school librarians face. It is plenty, the challenges, and it is common to all. Perhaps in context, there are differences, but it is all strung on one thread. 

Here are the challenges that stood out from our conversation. All of it are my observations and has no bearing yet on actual research or school library literature. Maybe, someone reading my blog can pick this up for further study or research.

Challenge #1 - The school library is a warehouse.

For many teachers and students, they perceive the school library as a warehouse, a bookstore type of department in the school and not as a structure to support learning. Nor is it seen as a learning laboratory filled with resources of varying formats selected using standards and criteria that are well thought out. Furthermore, the services and programs that the school library provides or implement do not speak of instructional, cultural and community based objectives. This challenge is two-way. It is one thing that librarians know the school library's role and another if members of the community do not.

Something to think and do: How can the librarian transition from technical and clerical roles and move into instructional and educating roles? 

Challenge #2 - The school librarian is a custodial clerk.

Where is the library found in the organizational chart of the school? If it is still in the ancillary services it follows that the school librarian is not an academic staff. School librarians fulfill a teaching role. Deny this, then get another job. If school leaders do not know this, it is the school librarian's professional and moral duty to inform them. This is one of the many reasons why we have a professional license. We must use it well!

Something to think and do: How can librarians communicate their professional worth and relevance to their school leaders?

Challenge #3 - The school librarian works in isolation.

Can we look at the professional development activities we attend? How many library organizations offer mentoring and coaching programs for continuing professional education of school librarians? What agencies and networks can school librarians tap to grow steadily in the profession?

Something to think and do: How can we strike the balance between growing personally and advancing professionally?

Challenge #4 - SHS  resources are scarce.

I am not talking about textbooks, but resources that will supplement and enrich the SHS curriculum. 

Something to think and do: How do we plan our collection development program that mirrors the SHS curriculum? 

Challenge #5 - Who is the young adult reader?

If you don't know them, where do you get the context for your library services and programs?

Something to think and do: It's about time we talk about YOUNG ADULT LIBRARY SERVICES in the country. I will start this through my blog.

See what a library visit can do? Amazing, isn't it?!