Facing duel emotions as the final lap gets closer
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Photo by Glen Rushton on Unsplash
By VANESSA WILLIAMS SNYDER
I’ve waited SO long for this moment, there’s a new tension between anxiousness and anticipation.
I feel the latter because the pace of my doctoral journey has gained steam. My mother-in-love recently told me to not rush because I’m almost there now. I sort of brushed it off at the time, but now I realize she’s right.
There’s no need to fret and worry – especially not now. The finish line is in sight and within reach. However, there’s still work to do and several steps to follow. Life kind of gets in the way at times, but doesn’t it always?
That’s where the anxiousness tries to seep in.
There’s the anticipation because you can see the goal, there’s a bit of anxiousness, too, because you’re not quite there. A little doubt whispers in corners of your mind, suggesting this new pace is too good to be true.
The irony isn’t lost on me. I’ve wanted to reach this stage for a long time. No worries. I’m choosing anticipation because I experience a sense of excitement every day as the end draws nearer.
But that’s not the only reason. I’m choosing anticipation because this studying I’ve done for several years aligns with my current position and the work I feel drawn to. Everything is starting to make sense and become clearer.
I’m studying how school leaders ensure students’ social emotional learning needs are met throughout the entire school. That’s real to me. I believe leadership has a critical role in process of social emotional learning.
If you’re working and waiting, while feeling anticipation and anxiousness, it’s OK.
Both feelings might exist, but ultimately, we know which one gets across the finish line.
