The Difference A Gift Can Make

I grew up in a poor family. I didn’t realize that we were poor at the time, but my single mother had 4 children and a 9th grade education.  Mom was an only child who had lost both of her parents, leaving her with no family to depend on, and an alcoholic dead-beat husband, who left when I was too young to remember. So she did what she could to provide for us by waitressing and taking in ironing.  Money was tight, often leaving us with minimal groceries. We often ate inexpensive foods like meatless spaghetti or creamed of potato soup for dinner. Bags of hand-me-downs were welcomed and I was taught early how to sew my own clothes. Mom drove a very old Mercury that was not very dependable, often leaving her stranded and catching a ride home from co-workers.

Then, when I was about seven years old, something amazing happened. My mother received an anonymous gift of $500. with a note saying, “I know you’ll put this to good use.” This was a large sum of money in 1961. Mom didn’t tell us about this gift, but one day she showed up with a used, but dependable, 1957 Pontiac Station Wagon!  

Now, with a dependable form of transportation, she could attend classes to complete her G.E.D. Mom worked nights and weekends, and attended classes and did school work when she could.  After obtaining a G.E.D., she went on to complete an Associate’s Degree in drafting. This led to a job working as a draftsman at General Dynamics Mondays through Fridays. Finally, she had a reasonable income, benefits, and we were no longer latch-key kids.

Seeing how my mother’s newly acquired education changed our lives, as a young girl I realized that education gives a woman choices. This motivated me to become the first one in my extended family to pursue a college education.  Driven by the passion of knowing how transformative education can be, I went on to obtain a teaching credential and made the education of others my career for 25 years. I wonder how many of my students’ lives were touched by my career choice which was sparked by a gift.

In this season of “Giving”, I really wish I could personally thank the person who changed so many lives with their amazing gift over 50 years ago. We never know the ripple effects of our giving.

Giving and Receiving; Reflections on Retirement from the Classroom

Like every teacher I've ever known, I have been driven by an innate need to make a positive difference for others, and therefore selfishly, feel that my life has had a lasting impact and a sense of purpose, thus ensuring some odd sense of immortality.  While much is said about the altruistic traits of teachers, I plead guilty to ulterior motives in my 25 years of servitude in the classroom.   Webster defines altruism as "unselfish regard for or devotion to the welfare of others".

While I have sacrificed and given a great deal in my teaching career,  it would be dishonest and misleading not to admit that I received more than I gave.   In the giving, we receive, and  I have been abundantly blessed. As I have matured, I've come to realize that one of my most favored possessions is the rich and diverse treasury of memories I've accumulated.  Many of these, of course, are based on interactions with my closest family and friends.  However, I estimate that I have directly taught at least 800 students in my career.  While I hope that my presence in those students' lives has had a positive impact, I am certainly the one who has come out way ahead!  I have so, so many meaningful memories that are like little gifts from each of these students.  Some memories remind me of happy times, and some serve as reminders of the lessons learned when we pay attention and work through the difficult times as well in a reflective way.  My students have taught me so much about life, myself and the important lessons of knowing our place in this world. I'm so grateful for these experiences.

The desire to BE A POSITIVE DRIVING FORCE IN EDUCATION still burns strong for me.  The difference is that I'm ready to transition from the frenetic pace of the classroom and create a consulting business that will enable me to focus my experiences, education, training, and passion in new directions.  I am confident that this new career path will be as enriching and fulfilling as the past 25 years.

Next:

• Your Guidance Office - I will be working as a Success Coach and Affiliate with this outstanding college planning program with the most comprehensive tools and innovative program I've ever experienced. Start to finish assistance with ALL of your college planning needs, and then some! http://yourguidanceoffice.com/tucson-az-college-coaching-services.htm
• Thrive Life Coaching - Professional Coaching Services to assist individuals needing some specific goals and actions to transform.
• Advocare Distributor - Advocare is a premier health and wellness company offering world-class energy, weight-loss nutrition, and sports performance products along with a rewarding business opportunity.
• Homeschool Consultation and Coaching - In my initial market research, I find that many families are turning to the positive benefits of homeschooling.  I am here to assist with curriculum planning, consultation, and success coaching to ensure that goals are accomplished.

Change is the exciting herald of something new and different.  "New and Different" causes our neurons to dance and rejoice in being alive and so the process of our personal human evolution continues to THRIVE!  Contact me to see how I can assist you in your quest to Thrive as well!

Gifted Ain't Easy!

This school year I am teaching 28 third grade gifted students in a GATE Inclusion class. Many people would assume that my job is a "piece of cake". What a dream job to work with so many smart and inquisitive youngsters.... or, not! They question EVERYTHING, insist on being heard, need to be right at all costs, and want to do things their way! Kind of like herding cats. At the end of each busy day, I imagine what it must be like to be in a beehive!

In reading The Autobiography of Steve Jobs, it's interesting to note how difficult he was with his parents, his 3rd grade teacher, his employees, and pretty much everyone. Being "gifted" does not mean that individual is anything less than intense, strong minded, difficult, and incredibly interesting and full of unlimited potential. These same traits that are not easy for others to embrace are the same ones that drive those gifted individuals to aspire to unique and great accomplishments.