I recently came across a note (at the end of this post) and it reminded me of what matters. I’ve looked at this note on numerous occasions over the years, and it never fails to make me smile.
From the moment I became a teacher, I wanted my classroom to be a special, amazing place, where students felt safe, happy, and inspired to learn. Pollyanish, yes. I know.
But the reality is I still
feel that way.
For all of my writing, researching, editing, etc., it comes down to this: touching lives and doing what matters. I love reading those thoughtful words from a former student because they remind me that I’m doing what matters.
It’s easy to complain, whine, and stress about the process of completing a doctoral degree. It takes more mental work to stay centered, remain grounded in what’s really important.
For me, it’s making sure that students learn. And making sure they enjoy the process along the way. It’s about creating learning spaces where students can come alive and truly be themselves.
I want students and teachers
to get back to the place where we do what matters.
I won’t bore you with the details of my doctoral topic. But know that the work is important, for teachers and students, and that’s what inspires me to keep going. I’m sure I’m not alone.
I hope you also have figured
out how to do what matters. When you do, I promise you won’t have a problem
pushing through to the end.
Just do what matters.
A former journalist currently working on her doctorate in Social Emotional Learning, Vanessa is a dedicated and passionate educator in the DC Public Schools system. She loves learning, leadership, innovation, collaboration, and discovering new ways to drive student gains and support staff members.
No matter what you’re doing –
or trying to do – with your life, you will feel unsure at some point. Of that
you can be certain.
I’m thinking about that today
and reflecting on the years spent on “my project.” On one hand, I’m sure this is
the right path, my path. But on the other hand, I‘m uncertain because I don’t know
the ultimate outcome ahead.
What purpose will this
accomplishment eventually serve? Only God knows.
So, I’m not sure, but sure,
too.
There aren’t any details.
There’s no picture (there seldom is). God often doesn’t show us. But I’m also certain
that what I’m doing matters now, and it will matter even more in the future. I
hope.
I pray that my work and research
will lead to better outcomes for students. That’s what’s important to me.
I also hope you know that YOUR work matters and being unsure is part of the deal. We can’t allow ourselves to be stifled, discouraged, or frightened by the unknown and unseen. We have to remember what we do know.
Which is this:
We know we have to work hard
and stay focused. We know consistency is always key and we must persevere. We
know we’re not alone. We know people often won’t understand our process. We
know the path will get hard and the struggle is real. We know that sometimes we
just need rest so we can start again.
And deep down, we know we have
purpose and destiny.
We also know that our list of “knowns”
is stronger and longer than our list of unknowns.
Rest in that knowledge.
Focus on all those knowns
because they’ll carry you through. Let the unknowns and uncertainties keep you
grounded and believing.
Remember, it’s fine to not be sure
about everything. That’s where faith resides, the assurance of things hoped for
and the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).
###
(A former journalist currently
working on her doctorate in Social Emotional Learning, Vanessa is a dedicated
and passionate educator in the DC Public Schools system. She loves learning,
leadership, innovation, collaboration, and discovering new ways to drive
student gains and support staff members).
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