As I sit here looking out the window of the plane, I’m asking myself, how do I encourage others to stay in the field of education when so many devastating, unjust, and scary changes are being implemented by those who just don’t get it? How do I teach developmentally appropriate practices when many enact regulations against it? How do I continually advocate for justice when others sit, complain, and do nothing? My mind is racing, but I hope to have an answer by the time the plane lands.
If you truly know me, you’ll know my two favorite words, intentionally and why. What is your, why? What is the ultimate intent behind what you’re doing? I began to ask myself why I went into the field of education. What accomplishments have I made so far? Have I been intentional with every action taken? Looking out at the clouds, I ponder my over 25+ years of service. I focused on the tiny interactions that made or are making a difference in the lives with whom I touch and beyond. These moments and interactions are the essence of my growth and fulfillment in this field. I begin to think about the many emails I receive from prior and current students. I think about the invitations that I receive to weddings, baby showers, fiestas, and other events from prior students. When I read communications from current and past students, then I can answer why.
When clients ask me to meet with the realtor to check if a building will be suitable for a licensed early learning center, I “know my why.” When I stand before the crowd to share a keynote address, and the attendees share how inspired they are, I “know my why.” When I walk into classrooms to observe and guide teaching teams on best practices, I “know my why.” When centers call me to share that they moved to Paths to Quality Level 3 or have earned Level 4 accreditation, I “know my why.” When clients call to inform me that a once empty building was approved by licensing to operate and they are now accepting children, I “know my why.” These moments, these achievements, are a testament to the impact we have on the lives of others. Someone recently told me they decided to live abroad to teach and experience the field in a new light. I cheered them on and told them to remember their “Why” and to teach with intention continually. That communication brought tears to my eyes as I knew that person’s starting point. This is my “why.”
This remembrance encourages me to forge on and continue to advocate and fight for justice for all students, educators, and administrators. No matter what comes my way, I can continue the fight for the field of education that I so richly love. The work must continue, and someone has to do it. My challenge to you is to find your “why.” Discovering your ‘why’ will inspire and motivate you to continue the fight for education.
Unsure of your “Why?” Reach out, and let’s work together to Soar to New Heights. Remember, your ‘why’ is your source of inspiration and motivation. It’s what keeps you going, even in the face of challenges. So, let’s find it together and continue the fight for education.
In Gratitude