6:28 PM
Marshall
In recent months, I have begun a job search that has allowed me to meet with a variety of educational leaders in various parts of the state of Iowa. Initially, this was not a pleasant task. Due to finances and the decision to close one of three buildings in our district, our administrative team was reduced by one. Unfortunately for me and my family, the administrator reduced was, you guessed it, me. After serving our students here for eight years, I found myself in a situation that was not planned nor expected only a few months ago.
I have enjoyed my time here, found great successes and good friends, and felt that I had done a very good job in my position. Determined to continue with pride and professionalism, I took the deep breath and put on the smile I had always carried. It was superficial as my heart raced with fear of the unknown and deep uncertainty of my preparedness for a job search. Sitting down and updating a resume along with a cover letter in less than 2 hours is a skill made possible only by this type of situation, but I can verify it can be done.
Many people have talked with me about my situation of insecurity and trepidation of what the future may bring. All have been very supportive and have even offered assistance, support, and perspective. This was another opportunity that I have been overlooking all along - that of actually telling someone that they are appreciated. This noted, I have found myself much more able to take that step and let those around me know how essential they have been to my life.
The last disguised opportunity that came from this development was that of meeting with the educational leaders I mentioned in the opening paragraph. Wow, what good things are happening around our state! What great people we have in all kinds of educational positions! What a difference these people are making for our kids! What learning I have come away with through these conversations!
Although it would not be my desire to repeat the last few months - at least this part of it, my appreciation of what we are currently offering students has only grown. I have enjoyed much of this experience as a learning opportunity. Shedding the distasteful and bitter emotions of forced change can open a heart and mind to what is out there and the potential that exists for our students, kids, children...and maybe, if I get lucky, the right opportunity will land in my path. Hopefully I'll see through that disguise as well and look for the opportunity beneath the surface.
I have enjoyed my time here, found great successes and good friends, and felt that I had done a very good job in my position. Determined to continue with pride and professionalism, I took the deep breath and put on the smile I had always carried. It was superficial as my heart raced with fear of the unknown and deep uncertainty of my preparedness for a job search. Sitting down and updating a resume along with a cover letter in less than 2 hours is a skill made possible only by this type of situation, but I can verify it can be done.
Many people have talked with me about my situation of insecurity and trepidation of what the future may bring. All have been very supportive and have even offered assistance, support, and perspective. This was another opportunity that I have been overlooking all along - that of actually telling someone that they are appreciated. This noted, I have found myself much more able to take that step and let those around me know how essential they have been to my life.
The last disguised opportunity that came from this development was that of meeting with the educational leaders I mentioned in the opening paragraph. Wow, what good things are happening around our state! What great people we have in all kinds of educational positions! What a difference these people are making for our kids! What learning I have come away with through these conversations!
Although it would not be my desire to repeat the last few months - at least this part of it, my appreciation of what we are currently offering students has only grown. I have enjoyed much of this experience as a learning opportunity. Shedding the distasteful and bitter emotions of forced change can open a heart and mind to what is out there and the potential that exists for our students, kids, children...and maybe, if I get lucky, the right opportunity will land in my path. Hopefully I'll see through that disguise as well and look for the opportunity beneath the surface.
