My Story
I have always had a passion for learning, for teaching, and for growing in the field of education. As a child, I was a total bookworm, an inquisitive girl, and a hopeless optimist. I had my share of typical obstacles as a teenager and young adult, but always kept a "cup half full" mindset.
After my years of teaching special education and then entering school district administration, my husband and I were blessed with a beautiful baby girl. I was living the dream: the loving relationship, the new baby, family and friends in abundance, and advancing in a career I loved. What seemed like moments after I gave birth, I was diagnosed with Stage 3B breast cancer....and my world changed forever.
Years of surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, more surgeries, the fact that I could never have children again, and life-long after-effects challenged my motivation to its core, but there were variables all around me that sustained my will. These variables helped me not just survive, but to thrive. By noticing the daily, weekly, and long-term motivational variables around me, I was able to go from basic coping skills, to resilience, to an attitude of downright gumption. But I didn't do this alone...and neither will you.
No matter what your personal challenge may be - the daily struggles to teach and sustain your own motivation in the classroom, meeting the growing needs of students, the need for more support, or your own physical, mental, or personal obstacles - there are basic strategies you can create and sustain to help you deal with your day-to-day motivation to cope, to survive....and yes, to thrive. Research supports that motivation leads to more productive work days, better retrieval of coping skills, and an overall feeling of career satisfaction. We need educators right now in the most critical way, and your role is vital to the future of our students and the adults they will soon become.
There are going to be days that push you, but if you can reach out and find the variables that sustain YOUR passion, you'll notice and appreciate the "a-ha" moments your students and teachers give you. You'll remember to put on your oxygen mask when you need it instead of when you're already empty. You'll realize what a big deal you are to the world, and that optimism will become transparent in your classrooms.