Some people feel that they're extra lucky. You know the ones that always seem to win the prize, get the freebie, find money on the ground... I'm not one of those people, and I think most of us aren't. What I am is lucky enough. Let me tell you why.
Several years ago, I decided to pursue my gifted endorsement. I was teaching fourth grade and loving my job, but looking for a new challenge. I was lucky enough to have two amazing educators as part of this journey, Sarah Kessel and Becky Shulman. Both challenged my thinking and broadened my horizons on how gifted kids are and what they need. It changed my teaching forever! I was lucky enough to work with Sarah Kessel through my district's math department, forging a bond that would later move me to a completely different path. You see, Sarah is the one that first challenged me to evaluate whether my work environment at the time was meeting my needs. On the surface, I had it all! I was working in my neighborhood school, enjoying the fantastic students and families I worked with, and pursing a doctoral degree in education. But, and this is a big but, I was beginning to comprise my own happiness in service to others. Sarah recognized this and encouraged me to really consider where I wanted to be. I didn't pursue that idea right away, but later, I had the courage to take a leap of faith and leave my school. I was lucky enough to find a part-time gifted position for the next year. Well, I don't think it was luck. Really, I think it was divine intervention. Think what you want, but that's my take on it. This allowed me time to finish my degree, jump into a new role-in a new school, and most of all--get my mojo back! I knew the first day in the gifted classroom that I had found my place and my people! Not that I didn't enjoy teaching in the regular classroom. I did for MANY years, and loved my students and families. But, at this point, I was ready for something new and I was lucky enough to be given an amazing opportunity! The following year, I was lucky enough to find a full-time position at a new school. The scary part was, I would be the Gifted Lead--with a brand new gifted teacher. Whew! That was a big challenge, but REALLY exciting too! We grew into our new roles together, and were lucky enough to be in a place and with people that supported that growth. We learned A LOT, grew the gifted program, and tremendously enjoyed the amazing students, families, and staff at the school. Things were trucking along just fine, until last March, when I was literally hit by a truck! I was on my way to work, in my Mini Cooper. I was broadsided by a full-sized pick-up truck, with a loaded trailer. Amazingly, I was lucky enough to only have a gash on the back of my head and a broken ankle. Through my recovery, I was showered with prayers, well wishes, and so much positive energy. This week, I was lucky enough to be able to run again, something I've done for most of the last 35 years. It wasn't fast, it wasn't long, but I had a run. OK, it was a walk-run, but it was still a run! For me, running is the way I recalibrate. It's a time to get quiet and listen--to new ideas, and the still, small voice that keeps me on track. Hmm...a question for you. How do we decide what lucky is? I think I've changed my mind about it. I AM the lucky one! I'm surrounded by love from my family and friends. I have the best job in the world, and I can do the things I enjoy both at work and and at home. In some small way, I'm able to touch the future through the hearts and minds of the kids and teachers I work with. If that's not luck, I don't know what is. Until next time, Karen
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September 2018
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