I woke up today with a reflective "Jerry McGuire Moment.". You know the movie; the mission statement, the new company, the love story, and "Show Me the Money." My moment came earlier this week when I had a conversation with a good friend and colleague. See, I've been trying to find the reason God led me to where I am currently. What qualities did He see that my school needed? Everything lines up for a reason, it's just the timing it takes to see and feel the reason.
"The things we think and do not say, the future of our business." Jerry McGuire
I know my mission and it's one that has many challenges ahead. A true advocate for our students of poverty in an affluent school. Everyone has felt the shift in our tilted world. Every one of us has our own set of morals, beliefs, and opinions. In this world, there are many social media tools to get those thoughts out there. Jerry chose a memo; I chose an email.
Last week I studied Dr. Linda Karges-Bone's Rich Brain, Poor Brain. I listened to the power our teachers have in changing our schools to be Rich Schools in thought. The power they have to be the brain surgeons from the inside out, by themselves. The fact that they and their engaged classrooms have a higher success rate than medicine. That statement is what stuck with me.
Fast forward a few days later and my conversation with my colleague. She informed me that CVS no longer takes Medicaid for some of the prescriptions our families will need, including medicine our students need. As she is talking I begin to think about our simulation we did as a staff. We were involved in a poverty simulation and had a great reflective discussion the following week. This is our reality. We will have families that this CVS bump will effect, and we will have to have empathy. I made a connection and just like that kindergarten kid, sitting on the rug waving his hand in the air so hard until his teacher calls on him, I wanted to share. I stopped getting ready and sat down to compose an email. My connection to why I need to continuously advocate for my students and my teachers. How I could continue to keep that poverty simulation in the forefront of their minds as they service their students.
Then this happened....
Ok, not to that extent but it's a great scene in the movie.
After having many great conversations that morning about the connections, and how we can be proactive for our families, I became informed that my email did not go over so well. See, as a leader, communication is key. Finding the right choice of words is crucial. I have gained more insight that will help guide me on this path of my mission. I will continue to challenge my teacher's thoughts and perceptions. The words on the page may bring meaning to heart. If my own learning creates opportunities for others to learn, then it is my responsibility to continue to share. I will continue to move on and challenge because our kids deserve it.
God gave me time this week to think about many things. We laid my grandmother to rest this week and the one thing she taught me was to bring people together. No matter where the conversation was going, she always wanted to bring everyone together. I continue to lead through belief in my teachers. I will provide more time for us to come together, but I will also begin to seek restorative justice resources. The next 3-5 years will tell how I am as a leader. I choose to stay the course and know that some will quit, some will complain, but most will innovate and lead!
So, who's with me?
"It may be exhausting, but that is beside the point. The goal...is to be the kind of person who has ideas and sees them through."
Esme Raji Codell
Just Love,
Kirsten
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