I was a hard no on Apple. I always had the newest Samsung Galaxy phone, the Samsung watch — I was firmly on Team Android. I told myself Apple products were just that… products. Overpriced, trendy, a little too shiny for my taste.
Then something happened. Our school was awarded an Apple grant — and with it came stacks of devices and an invitation to train at CEI in Austin. I’ll be honest, I went in with my arms crossed and my eyes half-rolled.
But that first day in Austin, everything I thought I knew about Apple shattered. I did not meet a product. I met people — people who were excited not about the tech itself, but about what the tools made possible. I met educators who were passionate about learning, sharing, and lifting each other up. Their energy was contagious.
Somewhere between the brainstorming sessions and the late-night idea swaps with my new CEI friends, I realized this was never about devices. It was about community. Growth. Empowerment.
By the end of that first day, I knew I was jumping in headfirst — no net, just full trust that this was where I was meant to be. Since then, I have earned my Apple Teacher certification, I am living my dream as an Apple Ambassador, and I am working toward my Apple Learning Coach. I am also weaving the inspiration and knowledge I gained from my Apple people into my dissertation work (because of course I am!).
I also have to give a huge shoutout to Don Henderson. From the moment we arrived at CEI, Don went above and beyond to make every one of us feel seen, heard, and genuinely valued. He spent so much time getting to know us — not just as teachers, but as people. His excitement, kindness, and servant leadership are absolutely contagious. I have been lucky enough to stay connected with Don through texts and conversations since Austin, and I honestly hope I get to keep learning from him for a long time to come. People like Don are the reason CEI feels like home.
My doctorate journey is rolling full steam ahead while my Apple path continues to unfold — and I am here for every bit of it. Every time I am around my Apple family, especially the amazing folks in CEI, I feel that same spark: the passion to keep learning, growing, and helping others do the same. Being part of this community continues to inspire me to dream bigger about what is possible. And who knows — maybe someday this journey will lead me back to Austin. Until then, I will keep growing right where I am planted.
I didn’t choose the Apple Life, Apple Life Chose me!
April 30, 2025
Tina, Thank you so much for sharing your story. It is an absolute honor and pleasure to get to serve you and your community of educators and learners. I know you are making a lasting impact on the lives of so many! Looking forward to continuing to learn about your community and seeing how your kiddos use technology to learn their language and share their culture with the world.
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