Looking out on the water

All of the dust settled and the chaos calmed. I stood in the parking lot of my school, after making a trip to the dumpster, as a part of the cleaning up process. I paused and I looked around at the field, the basketball court, the portables, and the building, which hours before had bustled with children. I felt as though I was frozen in a moment of time, as thousands of memories flooded my mind.

While some people live from January to December, my life operates from summer to summer. Two school years ago, when I began at my school, the transition was not easy. I had a really tough year, learning the ins and outs of my position and trying to fit into shoes that I did not feel in any way competent to fill. Every moment I felt as though I was not quite meeting the mark. At every turn, I realized a way in which I could have made a different decision that would yield a better result. It was a year of growth and self-discovery; It was difficult, but critical to my development.

Entering into this year, I have to admit that I was pretty scared. I knew the challenge that lay ahead of me, and I was not sure if I had the power to make it through to the end. I did what I could to prepare for a new year, and then I tip-toed to the edge of the water, not quite prepared to take the plunge. However, it's easiest just to jump in.

I knew that my dive would follow with a long, hard swim, and not just a couple of laps in the pool. So there, my journey began. From the ring of the first school bell, to the last goodbye, all I could do was keep taking strokes. The reality is, I never had any idea what it would feel like to look out on the water at the finish.

Now, I have the opportunity to look out on the water and I must share how each stroke contributed to the greatest journey of my life so far. Deep within my soul is a passion for youth that I have expressed in many ways throughout my life. My current position has given me the opportunity to express that passion in yet another way that I never imagined. I have the opportunity, every day, to speak life into young adults through a shared interest in the arts.

Here are a few snapshots that I see as I examine the water, because I do not think there are enough words or enough pages to really express everything that I feel.

When working with teenagers, you know you might make a ripple in the lives of one or two of them. However, there is no way to really anticipate the impact they will have on your life. It has been an incredible journey, filled with moments of long strokes, frantic paddling, and floating for rest. I would have never made it through it all without the support of my co-workers and the many students who brightened my day with a smile, a high-five, or a hug. 

To "my kids" (as I call them), I will always find joy in your many accomplishments. Every moment that I get to see you on stage is a proud moment, a brief reminder of the small impact I have made on your life. 

To MT, you have grown so much this year! You have taken on every dancing challenge I have placed before you and blown me away. Your energy and excitement are contagious. You have given me so much life!

To my dancers, you have faced so many challenges this year with strength and diligence. Just when you thought you could do no more, I would give you another piece of choreography to learn. You worked tirelessly and exceeded my expectations on every front. You are officially MY first team. You have given me all I could ever ask for!

I will remember every single one of you and how you have made a mark on my life. I love you all!!

So, now, as I look out on the water, I can only be grateful for everything that brought me to the shore. The view is beautiful and I would not have it any other way!