Every year is a little bit different and comes with its own challenges and successes. Some years are better than others. This would be one such year. I had a good year last year, but this year was even better, in fact I would say without much debate it was the best ever for me. In many ways I feel like I am at the top of my game, kind of like an athlete who has been getting better and better each year and then hits his prime. That is how I feel, like I am in my prime. Undoubtedly I could do better, and hope to become even better at this than I currently am, but no longer do I feel inadequate.
Here is my year in review:Student Government was a new welcome challenge. We were always busy and there were a few stressful moments; elections and assemblies, but overall I am so glad I was involved. It was nice to work with a group of self motivated achievers who wanted to not only do their best but help every one else along the way. We did big things, we did small things, but I believe it will be the small things they will all remember. I will miss those that are leaving immensely.
Winning the state geography championship was a great moment, one that I will treasure forever. I had the best team one could ask for, it was like winning the lottery. The students I chose had been my favorites throughout the year. And while all of them were capable it was interesting to see them gain the confidence necessary to win it all. There is a bond that you gain from an experience like that, the same as on a sports team, or any group effort. They proved that if you know your material, are willing to work hard, and have the confidence and determination that anything is possible. Its hard to see them go for many reasons, however, because I know that such a great group is so rare, let's just say I know what I am losing.
I was able to participate in the USOE Amazing Race and go skydiving, winning an ipod for our efforts. There were ups and downs as there always is in life, but not only were there a lot more ups, they outweighed the downs by a long ways. There are many students I miss and some that I won't. We are losing some good teachers/friends as well that can't ever really be replaced. My former principal Mrs. Woolf used to say that in education we have many goodbyes and I would agree, each year we start with the end in sight. In the end it is the journey that is important. I am fond of saying that if you aren't a bit sad when its over then you did it wrong. And I feel a bit sad. Maybe even more than a bit. I will be fine in a few weeks and this feeling will dissipate as the days pass. One of the reasons I think I am successful and can connect so well with others is that I put myself out there, I am sincere and genuine. There is danger in doing so, but the rewards far outweigh the risks in my mind. Perhaps one day I will get less emotionally attached and this ending process will be easier, but until then I will continue to do it because its who I am and why I am successful.
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