How many truths came out in the past couple of years? It was around a year ago today that I stepped away from teaching. I burned out. Exhaustion. Failure. The light dimmed for me, and I was so drained. I needed to rest. "Self-care". I avoided this term for a while that it hit me all at once. From leaving teaching last year to present day, I had health concerns that I am taking care of. Getting enough rest. Eating. Learning to fail forward. I had a very wise colleague share with me about failing forward and how to give myself grace in all things that I feel I've failed in. I slowly picked myself back up and am taking things day by day. Definitely many lessons I've learned in my aspirations in being an educational leader. Highlights in the past two years that I've begun to take advice from people in education are little gold nuggets that I have absorbed and taken into consideration in my own life:

Fail Forward- mentioned above, feeling like a failure. Looking for that light and learning that I AM THE LIGHT gives me the motivation and push to keep striving for my ultimate goal in changing lives for the betterment of society. 

Life Management- the art of balancing time in my career totally outweighed every other role in my life. I lost myself. I'm positive there are similar stories that contribute to educators leaving the field. I am still as motivated in being an educational leader, yet I am human. I just needed to take a step back and reevaluate how I prioritize and execute my best self. 

Get back on that saddle- Finding my truths, dealing with them, and moving forward in becoming better. My journey continues as I keep striving and know that I will make a difference in people's lives. This is my story.

Unapologically,

Hli Gy

I am going to continue in fulfilling the school's vision and mission as a teacher at JJLM. This school is so awesome! I feel safe, I feel validated, and I feel supported. The team is wonderful and I am constantly thinking about how to best serve our children and make the best of their learning experience as they grow and learn. 

My family took a vacation to Wisconsin and did some shopping, exploring, all while wearing face masks. It was a nice relaxing time before going back to work and continuing my schooling. One week before going back on campus and preparing for the returning and new children. 

LEAP E4E. This weekend. It's going down! Will update on what that is all about. 

​Clare

It has... been a while. I've been busy taking courses, being a mother, working, and trying to take it day by day. I don't think there is one blogger in the past year that hasn't mentioned the word "pandemic" and here I am, writing about it. Looking back at 2020, events occurred that changed peoples' lives; for me, I feel blessed. Covid-19 had me mentally exhausted at one point or another. People are wearing face masks and it has become normal. Children are distance learning and I wonder if they are really learning. Some other issues that need mentioning at this time:

Biden is going to be our new President (Inauguration in 4 days). Trump is not wanting to leave, putting up a fight until his term expires.

BLM- Black Lives Matter. George Floyd. Defund the Police. Justice. 

Media is powerful. Do not believe everything you see, hear, or read. Media is like Photoshop... I'll let that one sink in for a bit.

Coronavirus. Pandemic. Vaccine. We have the vaccine, only, it is available for high priority individuals and I know I'm down there somewhere around the bottom half. Somewhere. 

School- I'm staying afloat so far. There were a few days I felt like- perhaps take a semester off, or drop a class or two to lighten the load. As draining as it can be, it is also my sanity.  I've gotten the hang of things and so has my family. School itself keeps me motivated. I keep pushing toward my goals. I am nervous as I begin my practicum this semester. Subbed for a school that might hire me on. I am blessed. Be great and become greatness.

HGK

I've begun this Fall semester in becoming an educational leader. With a 4 year old and a 2 year old, I see there are some routines I need to put in place... i.e. how do I keep them busy so that I don't have them asking me a question every other minute? Prayers needed.