Who are we?

I began writing for an outlet. I had thought about writing many times, but was so insecure because of my lack of confidence in my own ability. Once I began, my posts suddenly became all about work and not much about myself. Seems my blog has, quickly, become much like work rather than an outlet. However, what we need to realize is that we are our work.

I have been raised by two loving and caring individuals. My mother a nurse and my father, well, someone who early on found a path and realized it wasn’t for him. He chose another path, which he fell in love with, and became to understand the responsibilities which came along with it.

The difficult aspect to understand, thus far in my career, is how to balance life with work. In education the two can become blurred within each other.

I don’t want all of my posts to be specifically related to education. We are all more than what we do for a living. However, education is different than many occupations. Like health care professionals, educators show a deep understanding, support and caring for their “product.” (for the lack of a better universal term) Yet, separation, on some level must take place.

I often reflect on my father. Remembering how many times he would come home and smile when he saw me and my sister. What I remember more, however, were the small conversations I overheard between he and my mother about work. I heard the small things they (his work) were trying to do to him because of his age or even because of his success. As he progressed within the company, how his salary was increasing in a society of downsizing; How the company continued to try and push him out of the job, but all he was able to do was to think of his family. Yet, his focus remained on his responsibility to care for those he loved.

I am not fortunate enough, as of yet, to have a family of my own. However, as educators we are all given the responsibility of overseeing the development of those around us, specifically the students in front of us.

Regardless of how positive the day may be, or how much struggle things become, I often look back on my father’s strength as a professional. He focused on his family. He became a man who put himself second and his family first. But, most importantly, in work and at home, he cared for those around him.

Regardless what occupation we may have, or who we are as an individual, we have those around us who are looking up to us for inspiration, direction, and respect. Don't take the responsibility lightly.