The Pursuit of Happyness

After nearly 26 years in this field, I still feel like a novice. As a teacher, I always wondered if I was doing my best. I moved into administration and realized the work I had been so quick to evaluate as a teacher was even harder to do as an administrator. I've had the honor of serving in positions in many different levels and know that each has its benefits. Still, each of it has its struggles. We are conditioned to believe that great leaders aren't supposed to admit that. Well, I've never considered myself a great leader. You'd think after over 10 years in administration, I'd have it figured out.

But, I don't.

If I am entirely honest, I sometimes feel like I am playing the role of Chris Gardner in this clip.

I've arrived to the interview in the wrong clothes and don't look the part of the position.

"He said you're smart.

I like to think so.

And you want to learn this business?

Yes sir, I want to learn this business.

Have you already started learning on your own?

Absolutely."

So each and every day, I'm learning the business of schools. Some days, I am far more effective than others.

"Can I say something?

I'm the type of person, if you ask me a question,

and I don't know the answer,

I'm going to tell you that I don't know.

But I betcha what. I know how to find the answer.

And, I will find the answer."

In my current role, I think about choices and conversations and hope that there is more good to be found than not. In the moments of doubt, I rewind back to where it all began as a little kid. I wanted nothing more than to become a teacher. Teachers saved me. I felt no other calling but to pay it forward. Step by step. Setback over setback. Those memories serve as a moral compass for me.

"Don't ever let somebody tell you, you can't do something.

Not even me. Alright?

You got a dream and you gotta protect it.

When people can't do something themselves,

they wanna tell you, you can't do it.

You want something?

Go get it. Period."

And then there are days when all the cylinders are firing, collaboration and trust are high, communication is open, and things seem so purposeful. On these kind of days, I feel like Chris in this scene.

"Was it as easy as it looked?

No sir, no sir it wasn't."

This part of my life...this little part is called happiness.

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Reflections

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