I love that each school year has a little different flavor. Some years are easier on the palate, and some are harder. This year provided some new challenges that, although a bit spicy at times, taught me lessons I very much appreciate and that I will never forget.
I learned not to be afraid to ask for help, yet too many cooks in the kitchen makes for a flurry of confusion that gets us nowhere (except even more flustered).
I learned that I may regret an email, but that I will never regret a conversation.
I learned that firsthand information is the best type of information, and when I am not sure of a solution, sitting in a classroom or a meeting to observe the situation can open the door to ideas and prevent inaccurate assumptions.
I learned that our staff is wise and full of insight, and talking things through with them always helps prevent problems down the road.
I learned that it’s often okay to let a problem sit for a bit. It will still be there in an hour, a day, a week. Or, it might actually just go away. When we are unsure what to do, sometimes gathering information and revisiting the problem after a designated amount of time is the best option.
I learned that we feel like we have a support system of positive people around us, we feel like we can do very hard things. But, when we feel like there are judgemental eyes (real or imagined) around every corner, we second-guess everything.
I learned that sometimes we cannot see what a problem actually is because we are blinded by our emotions. In order to come up with realistic solutions, we have to see the problem clearly, which means setting our emotions aside, at least for the time being.
I learned that even after sixteen years as a school principal, I am still challenged and learning. Every single day. And, I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Thank you Quincy staff for being my support system of positive people! Not only do you make me want to be a better person every day, you fill my days with fun and laughter. Your creativity, heart, and skill is absolutely unmatched. Cheers to a wonderful, rejuvenating summer. You deserve every minute!
Some of my favorite spice quotes:
Variety is the very spice of life, That gives it all its flavor.
-William Cowper
Spice a dish with love and it pleases every palate.
-Plautus
Words are like spices. Too many is worse than too few.
-Joan Aiken
We were the Spice Boys.
-George Harrison
I often quote myself. It adds spice to my conversation.
-George Bernard Shaw
(Those last two cracked me up!)
