Lessons Learned in 2004
I had such meaningful responses from this last year, so much so that I felt compelled to start forming my thoughts for this exercise in October!! (Unfortunately, between classes, exams, and the holidays, I haven’t had a chance to sit down and FINISH this until a few days into the New Year.) I want to keep this tradition going, so feel free to respond either just to me, or simply to those with whom you choose. (Start your OWN tradition!!)
I must begin by stating that, once again, in the span of a year, my life has drastically been altered – and for the better!! Specifically, in the span of about a week, my life was changed permanently! Around the middle of March on a Thursday, the job that I had poured my heart in to for over a year was cruelly and abruptly ripped away from me. This was mainly due to poor communication skills amongst those above me. This left me in a panic that weekend. I wasn’t sure what my next step was going to be. Much was left up in the air. Furthermore, the humiliation of being “demoted” was too much to bear. I was ready to leave the place all together, even if it meant a great financial burden. However, my life changed for the better that following Monday morning. I received my acceptance letter from the graduate school at UGA. Wow! This was actually quite an accomplishment, considering the many other folks who received rejection letters around that time. Out of this acceptance letter, a celebration dinner was generated. Thus, I met the most incredible man, with whom I now know I will spend the rest of my life. It is truly breathtaking to see how just a few events can set the pathway for the rest of your life.
While some things this year have been turned upside down, other constants have continued to be a blessing within my life. Namely, my time at Athens Mothers’ Center. Working with, playing with, and loving on those children has continued to touch my heart. The lessons I have learned along the way from those kids are immeasurable, and certainly constitute their own separate reflection, which I will not delve into here. I will say, however, that your word to a child is vital. Kids (and adults, too) will respect you much greater when you are true to your word. Even if that means that the choices you laid out for that child are not desirable, following through with what the child decides is important. The respect and rapport you will build greatly outweighs any quick-fix or inconvenience.
With two semesters of graduate school behind me, and only (ha!) four or five more left, I acquired much knowledge, even beyond the realm of special education and learning disabilities. One concept that was greatly reinforced here was the idea of looking beyond the disability. In other words, in my line of work, I must treat the individual, not just the disability. Again, I could devote MUCH here to this section, but I will try to keep it short. The uniqueness behind each individual is remarkable, and should not be looked at as a liability, but –rather- a difference. Further, differences should be examined collectively and celebrated, so that we can learn from and about them.
And now, I will share the other little tidbits I’ve picked up along the way this year:
1. You can never hug or hold a child too much. That goes double for kisses.
2. You can never tell those around you that you love them too much. Those three simple words take only a few minutes, but can make someone’s day.
3. Never compromise who you are – not for anyone. And don’t let others tell you that you have, when you know that you have not “changed”, but perhaps evolved along the way.
4. Who knew that salami, mini pigs-in-a-blanket, roast beef, ham, and other meats were actually good?????
5. Some of the most trying kids can be the sweetest, most rewarding to work with.
6. A bike ride is great. But a bike ride with a great companion is even better, especially when there’s a playground nearby.
7. Play a board game. It’s a good way to spend time with those you love.
8. A little thank-you note can go a long way.
9. I give the best (and possibly only) running pushes in town to kids on a swing.
10. It’s okay if you are not currently using your college degree. Just get out there and do something lucrative, that makes you happy, and/or makes the world a better place.
11. It’s okay when you can no longer shop in the little girls’ clothing department. Now you can go for a slightly older look. Heck, one of these days, you may actually look your age!
12. Meanness is a growing epidemic. One known deterrent is a smile and a kind heart. Pass it on!
Feel free to turn this into a discussion: simply share your reflections to your friends and family, or whomever you wish. In any case, I want to know what each of you have learned this year. You may copy and paste as much or as little of this message as you wish. Think about it: what have you learned this year? What wisdom can you impart on others? Please. Share.
I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. I know I did. I wish you all a happy, healthy 2005 (and beyond). For those whom I do not get to see or talk to very often, this is my small way of saying “hello”, and let you know that I’m thinking of you. I cannot wait to read about the last 365 days of your lives. Happy reflection!
Barbara Mays
“The secret of education lies in respecting the pupil.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson
Email sent 1/6/2005 6:30 PM
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--Barbara
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