Sharing some lessons from life, and what makes me tick :)

1. Being an Explorer
Seizing opportunities as they arise
Ina Smith

2. Disclaimer
Your road, your life, where you come from, your
career is unique and special.
This presentation not based on scientific researched
facts, but based on personal experiences.

3. About Explorers
According to "A Profile of Greatness" in The World's 100
Greatest People the ten characteristics:
• Focus
• Preparedness
• Conviction
• Perseverance
• Creativity
• Curiosity
• Resilience
• Risk taking
• Independence
• A sense of higher purpose

4. Academic Years
• Laerskool Fairland, Johannesburg
• Hoërskool Linden, Johannesburg
• University of Pretoria
• BBibl
• BBibl (Hons)
• Higher Education Diploma (HED)
• University of Pretoria (2006)
• MEd (Computer Integrated Education)

8. “We’re all novices with technology because of the
nature of technology. So if we’re all, broadly put,
novices then use it thoughtfully and creatively. Don’t
follow, lead by creating your own path. Resist the
temptation to “be trained” and use it playfully on
your own, if for no other reason than that’s exactly
what your students are doing, and is–fiercely and
urgently–the world that’s evolving around them.“
http://www.teachthought.com/the-future-of-
learning/everyone-novice-technology/

9. Working Years
• Hoërskool Carolina (1991)
• Onderwyskollege Pretoria (1992-2000)
• University of Pretoria (2001-2009)
• Stellenbosch University (2009-2014)
• Academy of Science of South Africa (2014- )

10. Onderwyskollege Pretoria

11. University of Pretoria
• Amalgamation between College & UP
• Re-apply for jobs
• Interview: “You will be trained to get on the same
level as other UP staff.”
• Prof Boon re move to UP main campus: “Are you
planning to do ALL these things?”
• Mr Robert Moropa: “We’ve all gone on December
holidays, and when we got back, we had an
Intranet!”

12. Stellenbosch University

13. Academy of Science of South
Africa (ASSAf)

17. Fear

18. The Deep End

19. Trust
• Yourself – that you are able to do things & good
enough
• Others to trust you – take years, have their best
interest at heart

20. Find your strength
• Making your problems your power
• Making your weaknesses your strengths