Have you ever finished most of
a project and thought that was good enough? Or ever started a project and
abandoned it?
Several years ago, a great
principal-friend gave me some tough feedback. She said, “Vanessa, I want you to
work on finishing tasks all the way to the end with excellence.”
Gulp. I wasn’t even quite sure
what she meant by that. However, as time went on and I reflected on my habits,
I recognized that I excelled at generating great ideas and starting projects
but was not-so-good at always seeing them through to completion.
Fast forward to now. Anyone
working on a doctorate would agree that the Literature Review is the most
challenging part of the process. Well, I’ve done that step. But there’s more to
do. And I must admit I haven’t put the same level of energy into the next step
because in my mind I’ve done the hard part, you know, the major part.
Perhaps this next step can
magically finish itself. Not.
I’m finished, but not really.
My committee chair spotted this right away and sent me back to the drawing
board to finish a piece of my work that wasn’t done.
As I reflect on other areas of
my life, I see evidence of great projects that were started but not quite
finished. You see, new ideas and projects are fun in the beginning when they reside
in your head. But then you realize there’s actual work that needs to be
done. And that work takes discipline and
perseverance.
So, guess what? Lately, I’ve
been making changes, searching for those unfinished places in my life. Whether
it’s the disorganized cupboard, forgotten weight-loss plan, discarded book
project, or my ongoing dissertation, I’m trying to finish things I’ve started.
How about you?
What project or idea have you abandoned or left just a bit unfinished? Is it a business or a book? A house project or goal you promised to complete this year? If so, it’s August y’all. We only have five months left.
Starting feels good. But finishing feels even better.
(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).
Lateasa McLean, a patient representative/patient safety sitter (PSA) at Atrium Health Lincoln, was home on June 21 when she woke up feeling awful that morning. She made it to the bathroom and … “the next thing I know, I was on the floor when I came to.” This happened one week after she tested positive for COVID-19.
Lateasa crawled to her bedroom and called her daughter. Lateasa’s oxygen levels were very low when an ambulance arrived and rushed her to the hospital. “I could hardly breathe and hardly move,” she says. “I knew right then that I need to be vaccinated.”
She can’t believe her previous opposition to the COVID-19 vaccine, even though as a PSA she sees everything COVID-19 patients can go through. Lateasa gets emotional now, speaking through tears and sobs, when recalling her resistance and subsequent ordeal.
“This thing was right in front of my eyes, it’s right in front of our eyes, and we’re overlooking it,” she says. “It took me getting in the hospital (with COVID-19) to realize I need to get vaccinated. It took that for me to open my eyes and see what’s going on.”
NO PROMISE EVERYTHING WOULD BE OKAY
Lateasa was admitted at Atrium Health Lincoln that day, capping a whirlwind week since she tested positive on June 14. She got tested after experiencing symptoms for a few days, including cough, diarrhea, headache, nausea, body aches, and loss of taste and smell.
BOWIE, Md. – BlackDoor Ventures, Inc., is pleased to announce its recent recognition by the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Office of Minority Business Enterprise.
When Jim Beel arrived at Atrium Health Carolinas Rehabilitation with a complex brain injury in October 2018, he knew he had a long road ahead of him. He had to virtually re-learn all basic motor functions, with the ultimate goal of one day getting back out onto the golf course. He was in desperate need of an expert care team to help him achieve his goals. Lucky for him, he came to the right spot for help.
Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top 15 hospitals in the nation for rehabilitation and the only rehabilitation hospital in Charlotte to be given this distinction, Carolinas Rehabilitation gave him hope that he could one day return to doing the things he loves.
“People taught me how to put my shoes on,” recalls Jim. “Then they taught me how to walk and how to eat. Then they taught me how to speak because I was slurring my words. My care team at Carolinas Rehabilitation corrected all of that and more.”
From the moment he came through the doors at Carolinas Rehabilitation, Jim was aided by a multi-disciplinary team who immediately jumped into action to kickstart his recovery. His significant other, Sherry Jones, was also there every step of the way and served as a valued support system alongside his recovery team.
WASHINGTON – When they were accepted into the internationally renowned Duke Ellington School of the Arts, REDWOOD and Ekep Nkwelle were Vocal Music majors. By the time they left, REDWOOD had switched to Instrumental Music and earned a full ride to Michigan State University as a promising pianist, while Nkwelle had become a mesmerizing vocalist headed to Howard University.
But the dynamic duo formed a personal and musical connection at Ellington, a bond that lasted through graduation in 2017 and the last four years, even 600 miles apart.
Their
connection is easy to detect on “Dub,” the new single that drops on JULY 18. It’s a
great tune for summer, an eclectic, electronic beat with a spacey-type vibe.
The song highlights Nkwelle’s soulful, smoky vocals and REDWOOD’s unique production and writing skills.
“We
believe this care-free message reflects our generation’s attitude,” REDWOOD says. “But it’s also
something that older folks can get into.”
Nkwelle
says introverts like herself might really enjoy it. “We’ll just be chilling and people will
think we’re not having a good time cause we’re not out and about,” she says.
“But I’ve found that I have a really good time, maybe even a better time, all
by myself!”
This
isn’t the pair’s first collaboration. Nkwelle was featured on “From
the Start,” a track on REDWOOD’s debut EP, “Sempervirens.” And no one will be surprised if future joint
projects materialize. Fresh off their May commencement ceremonies, the two artists are headed to
New York City together – on full rides – to earn graduate degrees, REDWOOD at Manhattan
School of Music and Nkwelle at The Juilliard School.
Relocating
to the Big Apple will allow them to expand their sound and respective bases.
REDWOOD has become an in-demand pianist in the Detroit metro area, playing with
the likes of Rodney Whitaker and Dee Dee Bridgewater; Nkwelle has made a name
for herself in the DMV metro area, emerging as a star with The Soul Sistas and
Howard’s famed ensemble, Afro Blue.
###
Contact Deron Snyder to arrange an interview with REDWOOD and Nkwelle.Follow @redwoodsounds and @ekepnkwelle /@KapSoNaptural
on social media.
A few weeks ago, a colleague took a small tumble down some outside stairs. Thankfully, she’s fine.
When I asked how it happened, she explained that she was trying to do two things at once (maybe three things, knowing her). She was in a hurry and anxious to get everything done.
Man, can I relate.
She missed the last three
steps. That got me thinking about the steps to success. If you skip a few, you
end up having to start over or at the very least slow down.
Think about it. Everything
you’ve ever achieved in life – from learning to walk or learning to read and write
– happened in steps. The same is true even as we navigate and reach for goals
in our adult lives.
We take steps. And each step counts
as a success.
When you write that book,
finishing one chapter is success. As you lose weight, that first pound is a
success. Getting that degree or dream job? It takes steps. Remember the “how-to-eat-an-elephant”
approach.
One bite at a time.
On the doctoral journey, each paragraph,
page, and chapter is progression toward success. And each incremental gain is
worth celebrating. I’m learning so much about myself on along the way, including
my desire to sometimes skip steps.
But I’ve learned that skipping
just slows you down or hurts your progress.
So. I’m celebrating my steps. I
recently took an important one forward on the path to doctorate. And even
though I can see down the road a bit, I will not bypass the steps right in
front of me.
I’ve worked too hard and too long to take a tumble now. And so have you.
So get to steppin! Your success awaits.
###
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.
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).
I didn’t know that “releasing”
is a whole situation. I recently decided to do it with my dissertation, sending
it to an editor.
That was an important milestone and I was excited to get there. Much like the anticipation a mother feels as she nears delivery, I was ready for the next step.
However, I also felt something
else.
I want to say it was trepidation because everything is becoming much more real. I also felt a bit exposed because now my story – my dissertation – was out there. Someone who has never seen or read it was looking at it with fresh eyes.
It’s like when you’re carrying a child in your womb. Inherently, you understand that your bundle of joy will pop out at some point. You know you’re supposed to be this amazing mother when it happens. But you worry about being exposed as someone who actually doesn’t know what she’s doing.
So here I am releasing my dissertation, “my baby.” (My husband and I agreed to not use that term in the beginning; we call it my “project.“) Here I am sending it to a complete stranger to edit and provide feedback. It sounds dramatic. But when you’ve lived with something so long, letting go can be uncomfortable.
It’s necessary though.
Releasing is progress and growth and movement. Those are good things. As mentioned previously in this space, it’s all part of the journey. I’m just beginning to share my project with the world, which – scarily – feels good.
Just like in childbirth, joy and fear are all in there, mixed together. They create an amazing feeling that swings between extremes at any given moment, for the rest of your life.
So go ahead and release, like
I’m doing. Slowly but surely, I’m stepping out with this project. Soon I will
experience the joy and fear that accompanies birth.
I say whatever you’re working
on, don’t be afraid to cut the cord when it’s time. Intuitively, you’ll know when
that time arrives. It’s the gift you’ve been waiting for.
Truly, releasing is only the
beginning.
(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).
Let’s be honest. Anyone who is trying to accomplish something big must have an ego on some level. And that especially includes those of us pursuing doctorate degrees.
I struggle with this at times when contemplating my purpose in pursuing this goal. I don’t consider myself an egomaniac and I don’t believe many people perceive me that way, either (except maybe my daughters).
However, the same ego that’s necessary to pursue a doctorate is the same one that’s repeatedly bruised and beaten.
Therein lies the paradox. It takes an ego to pursue big
dreams and major life goals, but it also takes a willingness to release your self-pride
so you can endure the process and reach the destination.
Consider what you’re pursuing and what part of your ego needs to be released in order to get there. Learning something new or doing something for the first time takes self-belief. But this “ego” has to be broken enough to accept help while exercising patience, discipline, perseverance, tenacity, grit, and faith.
How much ego is too much? Who’s to say?
Too much will cause you to overstate and overdo. Example: I will complete (insert your goal here) by 5 p.m. on the first of next month. Too little will get you nowhere. Example: I will never complete
(insert your goal here) because (insert negative, self-doubting words here),
See the enigma?
So, I conclude most of us have an ego. And that’s not a bad thing if you accept that sometimes it’s hurt or broken. If it’s strong enough, you’ll get back up and keep trying after you’re knocked down.
Let’s face it: You won’t accomplish much in life without some
ego.
But too much will mess you up.
###
(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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