NESSA’S NOTIONS: Do What Matters
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By VANESSA W. SNYDER
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.
