Tag Archives: student

Quick Thought – Sunday, February 26, 2023: Act Like Children (First Sunday in Lent)

Posted on February 26, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Read Matthew 18:1-6 Matthew 19:13-15 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:4 Reflect I love working with children. For a while, I worked as a substitute teacher, and I worked with … Continue reading →

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The Day I Finally Got the Call

Posted on December 13, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

After years of failed interviews and closed doors, my first day at Darnell‑Cookman began as a substitute assignment and ended with a phone call that changed my life. Nine years later, I know exactly why God led me there. Continue reading →

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What My Students Taught Me About My Wardrobe

Posted on November 30, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

Nothing will humble a man faster than seeing five teenagers dressed like him—with fake stomachs, fake beards, and the exact same Polo-and-slacks combo. Turns out my “teacher outfit” is more iconic than I ever intended… and apparently rounder, too. Continue reading →

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Pet Peeves, Classroom Edition: The Annoyances That Really Test My Patience

Posted on November 25, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

I try not to let everyday frustrations get under my skin, but the classroom has a few recurring moments that make me stop, breathe, and pray for patience. From the infamous “Can I go to the bathroom?” question right in the middle of a great discussion to laptops that mysteriously never make it to school, these are the pet peeves that push me the most—and one that rises above all the rest. Continue reading →

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Why English Was My Favorite Subject in School (and Why It Still Matters Today)

Posted on November 7, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

I was never the kid who loved math or science—but give me a book and a blank page and I felt at home. Now, as an English and journalism teacher, I’m convinced more than ever that reading and writing aren’t just subjects in school—they’re the foundation of thinking, communicating, and leading. Here’s why the written word still matters. Continue reading →

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A Regret in Black and White Keys

Posted on October 1, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

What skill would I like to learn? For me, it’s piano. I know a little guitar—just enough to strum a tune—but not enough to do anything meaningful with it. And sure, I can peck out “Chopsticks,” but that’s about the … Continue reading →

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The Sunday Pour: The Neck Pour

Posted on September 21, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

Whiskey fans know the term neck pour. That first ounce out of the bottle isn’t always the truest representation of what’s inside. It can taste sharp, closed-off, even disappointing. But with patience, as the bottle opens and breathes, the character … Continue reading →

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What Really Gives Me Energy

Posted on September 21, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

When people talk about “energy,” they often mean sleep or caffeine. And sure, those help. But the things that truly energize me come from moments that lift my spirit, fuel my creativity, or remind me of why I do what … Continue reading →

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Drawn Toward Leadership

Posted on September 12, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

Historically, I’ve found myself stepping into leadership roles—sometimes by choice, sometimes by circumstance. When I went back to college after the Air Force, I accepted the position of editor of The Campus Voice at FCCJ. Later at UNF, I ran … Continue reading →

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That Tear, Small and Sacred

Posted on September 1, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

There’s a moment in the classroom that hits me like nothing else. It’s not loud or flashy. It’s quiet—the kind of moment when a kid finally gets it, turns in something they’re proud of for the first time, or smiles … Continue reading →

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