Changes
As we prepare to begin a new school year, I find myself surrounded with changes I didn’t expect. To be honest, I love change. It keeps things interesting. But too much change is hard for anyone. I’ve been at Academy of Whole Learning going on 10 years now. People are used to seeing me around, but I, too, have gotten used to seeing others around. Highlighting a few of the staff we will miss this year: Mr. Louie, (Behavior Therapy Supervisor and King COVID last year) is now focusing on his high interest area in Culinary School, Ms. Jen and Ms. Keera are in school full-time to become Sped Teachers, Ms. Kaitlin is now Deputy Director of Programs and Operations at Best Buddies International, and Mr. Dylan is now a Guidance Counselor at the University of Minnesota. I am desperately missing these people I came to love and cherish and depend on over the years. However, I’m so happy for all of them. I could choose to be sad or choose to be happy. I’m choosing joy!
And then we have our own internal changes. Ms. Kelsey, who is out cuddling her new little one, is moving into Adult Education, Ms. Amy and Ms. Hannah now work in the clinic with the littlest of the littles and Mr. Will, from the clinic, is now a BT in the school! This is the time of year when Ms. Anita (Director of Instruction, Curriculum and Innovation) usually moves into the school. Ask her husband, he’ll verify this. But this year she is out for medical reasons and will return in January.
So many changes, but is change bad? We are often resistant to change, and we don’t realize that change itself is constant. I have been embracing change since a young age. During my life I have lived in six states, changed nine schools and have had about five different careers.
Changes connected with moving from state to state impacted my personality. Thanks to them I became more flexible and open-minded. Now I understand cultural differences and appreciate diversity. Each of the career shifts brought knowledge and new experiences. As a result, apart from the professional experience, I learned how to resolve conflicts with difficult colleagues and how to work with unbearable bosses. Career related changes brought self-confidence. All those changes led me to the realization of what I wanted to do with my life.
The biggest change in life occured when I got married. The change brought love, peace, and comfort into my life. As a result, a new me was born—me being a wife, mother (now grandmother), and happy woman.
In general, when looking back, I realize that all the good things in my life are the results of changes that occurred in the past. People usually avoid changes and prefer to stay in their comfort zones, but I am a true believer that once you get the courage and take the first step to change, your life will become much better.
To Ms. Amanda, Ms. Brenda and Ms. Anna - we wish you the best in your future endeavors. And to all the wonderful new staff that have joined AOWL this summer (highlights on our incredible new staff in the next Bridge), Welcome! We are so glad you are here!
And remember—if there were no change, there would be no butterflies!
