So last week I got a heads up from the cheerleading adviser that she had submitted my name to the principal to be the student body officer adviser. I laughed this off to which she said, "You would do a better job than anyone else, and you know that's true." I was struck by this statement. She followed it with, "Seriously, who would do better than you? No one can teach these kids to be leaders like you can." Well now my head was starting to get real big and I had to just shrug it off.
This was last Friday. There was more to our conversation and I couldn't help but think about it this week. I need to add that I really considered that this would be my last year at Matheson. If I could get to a closer school then I was going to do it. I had just done my screening interview with the Davis district a few weeks ago and was planning on interviewing with schools in the next few weeks. Of course all this would change if I committed to be the SBO adviser. Working closer to home would be nice, but I know that the grass is rarely greener and I do really like what I do. Helping at-risk kids has become my forte and not only do I enjoy it, but I am good at it. Adding the student leaders to my schedule would be a nice bonus. So that was my thinking since last week.
Today I met with my principal. I went in to ask a question and then she said, "You already know that one of your colleagues has come to me and proposed that you be the SBO adviser next year..." I nodded. She went on to do an incredible sell-job. My head was getting too big for the room. Then she said the only thing she was hesitant about was me getting burned out. I work with the tougher kids in the school, I am on the leadership committee for the school, and I coach the basketball team. I told her that there are two types of burn out, one is where a person is overwhelmed, the other is where they do the same thing over and over until it becomes mundane. I went and said that being the adviser would actually keep me away from the second type, and I would have to give up basketball to be assured of the first type. She quickly agreed and then asked if I wanted to give up hoops.
I was actually surprised with my answer. I said, "To be honest that is what stressed me out the most this year. I wouldn't mind helping out, but as far as being the head coach that would be too much." This was all true, I was real happy when ball was over. It consumed me for two months. I was overwhelmed with the drive home at the worst time (5 to 6) during the worst season of year (Jan to Mar). I was not doing a good job in my teaching, and frankly my coaching wasn't all that great. As soon as basketball ended I realized just how stressful it had been. I like being an assistant, I don't need to be a head coach.
We talked about working with the difficult kids that I work with, she has done so as well, and how you are constantly having to drag the kids to work(very true) and how draining this can be(true as well). Working with the sbo's would not be like that in any way, these are some of the best kids in the school, self motivated, and they want to make a difference. If I could help bad kids change into good kids, what could I do with really good kids?
I have admit that I am intrigued. I know I could do some great things as the adviser and if I didn't have to do bball and do that commute at the worst time of day and season, then the commute isn't so bad. Right now I am getting home at a good time, not too much different than when were living by the school. Legacy should be opened by next school year that will make the drive even better(with Legacy opening). Gas prices do suck and it would be nice to work closer to home, but this could be the right challenge for me now. Janalynn mentioned that I could accept it and then if I got a job offer out here I could decline it. That may work for some but it is completely against what I believe in. When I make a commitment to something or someone I follow through. If I accept the position then I am going to see it to the end. That is just me, I know not everyone is the same. So if I decide to do it then I am all in.
As of writing this post I am leaning towards taking it. When I got into teaching I thought I could change the world. It is part of the reason why I like working with at-risk kids, I know I can make a difference there. But what can I do with kids that really care? I can't help but think of Margaret Mead's famous quote:
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
For that, the commute would be a breeze. And with that I just might have made my decision.
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