The Countdown

The countdown has begun.  In 20 days I will walk through the doors of my first classroom and will greet my first class.  If you would have told me five years ago that I would be teaching Special Education, heck, teaching anything, I would have told you that you were nuts.  And now, I wish I could fast forward the next 20 days so I could dive right into my first year.

Five years ago I was a successful business owner.  I aspired to be named in the regal "40 Under 40."  I wore the title of "President" of an "S-Corp."  I cared about payrolls, workers compensation insurance, marketing... the list could go on and on.  Then one day, it all ended.  I went somewhere dark and resurfaced in my daughter's Kindergarten class, as a parent volunteer.  I went from thinking that I wanted it all, to realizing that there is a whole lot to be thankful for... right under my nose.  It was my "Ah-ha!" moment.  Forget being a business leader, forget being listed in "Who's Who in America", forget all the schmoozing... there was something much more important.  That is when I made a commitment to start all over.  I downsized my life, expelled extravagance and took the bull by the horns.  I became the woman that I am proud to be today.  I decided that life would be worthwhile if I could make a difference.  Not a difference in a merger, stock option or business plan, but a difference in a life.  I could make a child understand that they deserve to succeed, they deserve the best, they deserve to have someone behind them, supporting their journey.  I decided to become that person.

Fast Forward a few years and I am at that pivotal point where I hoped I would one day arrive. 

I want to document this first year because I want to recognize my mistakes, I want to cheer for my successes, I want to develop my network, I want to look for advice, I want to become the best teacher that I can possibly be, and I want to be able to look back and ensure that I have met my goal.

Hop on and enjoy the ride.