I Almost Gave Up...

They say the second year is harder than the first when you’re a Principal.
Coming into a turn-around school I thought, there is no way that’s true.

January 11th is officially my two year “work” anniversary at Vero Beach Elementary and I have to admit, this year has been rough.  We made incredible gains, but I was hyper focused on what progress still needed to be made.   Our tribe worked SO hard to bring our school up two letter grades in one year, but I couldn't help but dwell on the barriers that still existed.   I don’t know if that will ever get easy to accept.  Whether it’s homelessness, mental health concerns, or just trying to ensure basic needs are met, it’s hard to not get personally invested in every single situation.  Each of these situations involves a child. A kiddo that deserves our very best.  I  lost a lot of  sleep and in some cases, I feel like I lost a little piece of the “spunk” I had.

I write this not to vent, but to provide hope for those of you currently going through a rut.  Keep pushing through, the spunk is never lost!  Sometimes you just have to look outside yourself.

It’s been hard.
There’s been doubt, a lot of self doubt.
There’s been broken promises, mostly in my part for being present and “there” for my family.
There’s been #failforwards and constant reminders that I can (and shouldn’t) do this alone.
There’s been been times when my need for control stifled others growth.

The reality is-
I almost gave up.

I let my self doubt take over.

I had to ask myself one of the hardest questions about my purpose recently that can be like a kick to the gut:
Was I doing what’s needed for kids, or was I doing things to make myself look good?

I got some great advice from my Superintendent who told me to focus on “less.”
Prioritize.
He gave me permission to unplug, disconnect, and reflect.  It couldn’t have come at a better time.  It saved me.

Through the struggle and challenge... I found that the one thing I needed most of all was to push aside the “I” and focus on the TRIBE!!!  This is why my #oneword2018 is.... SYNERGY!

By involving those around me in the process, I’ve found happiness and was reassured that this journey is meaningful and necessary to continue our path to success!  I refuse to be another adult that abandons what’s right for kids. The fight is too important.

The change came when...

I asked for help.
I asked for forgiveness.
I forgave others.
I asked for the leaders around me to share their strengths.

By embracing my tribe, both family and work I’ve found what was missing, my purpose!

This year I will focus on Synergy!  Collectively we are stronger together.  With this, our tribe will be unstoppable!

Watch out for #VBE2018
WE have only just begun!