cc licensed ( BY NC SD ) flickr photo shared by gcouros
As I pack and get ready to haul a bunch of stuff over to my first house (yay!), I thought a lot about the change process. Although I have enjoyed living in my house that I am currently renting, I am glad for the opportunity to change scenery and start creating a new environment for myself. Sometimes it is not only invigorating to put together a new house, but it is also nice to throw out some of the junk that you have carried around with you for years. There are some things that I have wanted to try and change in my own personal/professional life, and I look at this as a great opportunity to do so.
A few years ago, I was in a school division where I felt I was not moving forward in my own career. As a young teacher, I was not really dedicated to the field of education although I loved being a teacher. I think because of that, I often felt that I may be pigeon holed into being a certain type of teacher and would not progress quick enough for my liking. I was ready to quit and try something different.
Then I had the opportunity to switch school divisions and take a new position. Although I had given up tenure to take a temporary contract, I remember my principal distinctly saying, “We do not let good teachers go.” Knowing that, I decided to reinvent myself and really focus on putting my best foot forward as I started the new position. Doing little things such as dressing up everyday, wearing a tie, and really focusing on doing my best everyday not only changed how people may have perceived me, but it also changed the way I thought of myself. This was also the opportunity to throw out some of the “junk” from my own attitude (such as that I could NEVER do this for 30 years).
I was coming to work everyday ready to go and I loved teaching more than ever. Although there were some bumps and I learned about a whole different concept of teaching and learning, I felt that I had the opportunity to take risks while also knowing that I would be able to push through with a belief in my own abilities. The change was an opportunity to reinvent myself and my way of thinking, and I loved it. From one year being ready to quit education, the next year I became an Assistant Principal, followed by a Principal two years later. I had embraced changed, and the opportunities that came from this were amazing.
Change can be hard, but sometimes if we embrace the opportunity to start over and change our own attitude and mindset, we can create something that is more meaningful. I am glad that I have the opportunity again not only with a new position, but also a new home. Looking forward to seeing what the change brings.
