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.