Personal Revelation

So, in the weeks since I last posted, I've had an interesting experience. I posted that I had decided to continue to work as a principal for now with some consulting and/or teaching on the side. I had prayed and felt right about this decision.  Yet, there were people around me, inside and outside of the district, who kept telling me that I should reconsider that decision.  Then, a couple of major central office players announced their resignations and retirements.  Wow! Opportunities would be opening that may not come around again for several years. So, once again, I prayed about my decision and felt I had made the right decision.  A friend and mentor encouraged me to go talk with the superintendent before I wrote off these opportunities -- just to get a feel about what's going on and where I might fit in --- and IF I SHOULD fit in.  I prayed before I went to visit with the superintendent that I would walk out of that meeting with a clear mind and understanding.  Well, prayers are answered and sometimes very directly.  I walked out of that meeting knowing that a central office job in this district at this time is NOT the right thing to do. The superintendent revealed herself and her thinking in a way that made it crystal clear that I DO NOT WANT to be part of the central administration organization at this time.  More information was shared with me after that meeting that confirmed my thinking.

I'm so grateful for prayer. I'm so grateful that Heavenly Father doesn't leave us here to struggle without help.  I feel so good about my decision AND I know that I received the correct answer to my concerns and my prayer through the promptings of the Holy Ghost.  Heavenly Father is looking out for me.  So, we'll see what my future holds.  I feel free and clear and I have deeper understanding about what I need to do at this time.

A Little Crimson and Gray!

It's my graduation and probably my last graduation for me.  I don't think I've got the energy to do another degree! Anyway, May 14th is my doctoral graduation from Washington State University.  The school colors are crimson and gray and so I've changed my blog for awhile to my school colors.  I've made my own kids walk through their graduations and so they want me to walk and so I am.  I didn't walk for my masters degree and I kind of regretted that.  I'm actually pretty excited because I get to wear the hood that doctors wear.  I've worked toward this for so many years!  When I was 20 years old I couldn't understand why anyone would go to school for so many years.  I had no idea I would go for more years than I could have even imagined!

I'm glad I did this and I do love learning.  Getting a doctorate was the ultimate learning experience.  I totally LOVED it.  I was truly sad when I was finished.  It's taken me about 6 months (I finished in November) to actually adjust to life without writing papers and going to class. Going to school was my lifestyle. I do love academics and learning.  I'm grateful that I was allowed in this life to have this experience.

Anyway, everyone assumes that because I have a doctorate I want to be a school district superintendent.  In actuality -- I do not.  I have no desire to work at that level.  Superintendents NEVER quit working. They are literally completely immersed in the job and they have no personal life.  In fact, I already work (as a principal) 10-12 hours per day -- I don't want a central office job either.  Those people, at least in my district, work 12-14 hours per day.  They are exhausted and under huge amounts of pressure.  I have pressure but it's pressure I can handle. I've prayed about this and thought about this a great deal and here's my current plan:

• Continue working as a principal
• Begin consulting a few hours a month 
• Maybe find an adjunct professor teaching job at a local university

This feels good. This feels like the right thing to do. We will see.  Of course, our best laid plans can be disrupted with unexpected opportunities and unexpected life changes -- so I'm open.  I do know this: Heavenly Father is aware of my situation, my fears, my needs, and my energy levels.  He will guide me, direct me, and provide opportunities for my growth.