The Revolving Door
Walking in this muggy heat I began reflecting on the last 6
months, they have literally been in constant motion, with little to no time for
reflection. In March, after hearing they
were closing my building after teaching there for 22 years, I went through the
grieving process. Within that process I
began a FB page called Rice Remembered because in all the emotions I truly
wanted to remember what I loved about this school, the people that work there,
the children that I was blessed to have taught and the community relationships
that I had built.
Field of Dreams
We planned a Community Open House, in which
over 600 people attended. I was
awestruck, especially after seeing so many memorable faces, a tribute to the
staff that taught there and the lives they all touched. The feeling was amazing, it was more than
happiness, it was gratitude, love, fulfillment, honor, all wrapped up with a
big red bow. I tried to explain this
feeling on so many occasions and the best I can do is to think of the movie
Field of Dreams, that’s what it felt like, cars coming from both
directions. We built that night and were
amazed at who came. The first visitors
met in Kindergarten over 50 years ago and are still friends today. Their happiness was infectious. Something I’ll never forget as they came an
hour and a half early filled with stories. Such a successful night, one that
deeply touched me.
When One Door Closes
So many people say when one door closes another opens, this is
true. I had always said I was ready for
change, but change can be scary, and even when we think we want it the journey
is filled with unknowns. That is how my
summer started off. I knew where I would be going, and who I would be teaching
with at my new building. The staff and
principal really welcomed me, and I began to know all would be good, the stress
and worry receding. I had an opportunity
for another job present itself, I didn’t go looking for it, a door truly
opened. This job was something in my heart I thought I wanted to do and I knew
I could do successfully. This job soon
became a possibility then an opportunity. I reflected heavily, what change did I truly
want? Either way my life would change, a new school, new staff, new principal
or a completely new job doing professional development, new opportunities, new challenges,
and new expectations. I won’t go into
tons of details but I will say this I turned it down, it didn’t have enough of
the good to replace the great I already had.
I’m glad I chose to stay in Mentor, doing what I love, with those that I
respect and are honored to call friends and colleagues. 
Mindset
So many opportunities have presented themselves because I work
in Mentor and had a principal that supported my dreams and ideas. I read about
growth mindset the latest educational trend, and think we have always done
that, but that happens when you are supported.
Change happens when you work together for a common goal.
I have always embraced challenges in and out of the classroom.
This mindset has been exceedingly rewarding.
Opportunities for growth personally and professionally are a direct
result from this.
The Revolving Door
So, why I
call this blog the Revolving Door? Well
that’s how I’ve felt these last six months, going in circles of uncertainty,
not sure when to get out. Fear will do
that. It takes a good hard look at what
you value, what’s important, and what your dreams are before you can be on your
way again. I think I am finally on my
way again as I prepare for a new school year, with new hopes, new expectations,
and new challenges.
