As this year ends, I think about what I expected. This year has been a year of unexpected things. I've had surprises and letdowns. I've had wonderful opportunities to grow. I've learned a lot. And it's hard to say a year is unsuccessful if you've learned and grown. I'm not where I thought I should be and yet I'm just where I need to be.
Here are a few things I've learned this year--
It's not too late to do it. The past few years have been teaching me this. I made a midlife change to teaching in an elementary classroom a few years ago. At that time, I had to go back to school and get a master's degree to get my full teaching license. This year I graduated with a Master of Arts in Teaching. I now have a full teaching license. I'm "older" but was still able to accomplish this. (And I had a 4.0 in my studies - I know it's bragging but I'm old and did it!) Is there something you want to do or try? It's not too late to at least investigate and begin it
It won't happen if you don't ask. I wanted to do some new things and begin to expand my writing and editing. But not many people are clogging my phone or email with work requests. So I've had to ask, pitch, offer. I've contacted a few people in areas I want to work. Some of those have said no. I'm waiting for others to answer. But I've learned a lot and uncovered more possibilities and ideas. I wouldn't have known about these if I didn't ask. They may say no, but I learn and grow just by asking. Do you want to try something new in the classroom or in your professional life? Ask. It may not happen. It might. But you won't know if you don't ask.
Plant seeds. You never know what will yield. Last year I contacted someone about a possible venture. There was interest but it didn't really pan out. But from that grew another opportunity. This new job I have is one that I enjoy immensely. Ask questions and follow leads. Something completely different may develop from your seeds.
There's more than one way to your dream. I'm not in the daily classroom right now. But I am still teaching. I teach in my church kindergarten class. I volunteer in two different classrooms once a week. I teach in a reading clinic. I writing curriculum and edit on a preschool web site. I write on teaching here. I'm still able to live out my dream of teaching young children, just in a way different from what I expected. If things change in your dream, look for other ways to fulfill it.
I was born to be a teacher. I love working with young kids. It's what I am meant to do. I'm learning how to do that in different ways. Are you doing what you were meant to do?
This has been a great year of learning and growing. And discovering and exploring.
How has your year been?
