Rich Henderson's Diary
The First 180 Days

Rich's Diary: What A Difference A Week Makes!

Week 28

What a difference a week makes. Last week, I was bombarded with so many different issues that I was left feeling discouraged about my role as a teacher. The social, emotional and behavioral issues of my students; the impact of the various education laws; and my relationship with some parents seemed to weigh heavier on me than ever before. However, that was last week. This week, I felt a sense of renewal and purpose. Why? I thought about many of the small things that remind me of the joy that can be found within the teaching profession -- if only I look for them.

This week, I wanted to go to school. No kicking, screaming, or complaining to my wife that I felt ill in some way. (She would never write me a note to stay home anyway.) Nope, none of that happened. I simply wanted to be with "my kids" no matter what the day was to bring. Why the change in feelings? What placed my focus back where it belongs were the words of encouragement and support that I received from so many people. Kind words are always appreciated, but they take on a different meaning when they are offered from someone who has "been there" and has had similar experiences. During the past few days, I have received many such words from teachers I know and those I have never met before. They all shared moments of feeling discouraged and how they overcame those feelings. Basically, it all came down to focusing on the innumerable characteristics of the profession that make it so appealing and worthwhile. That is where my focus belongs.

Last week, as I was writing my diary entry, my focus was off. Yes, my feelings were real, and I did feel overwhelmed. I was focusing on some of the less-than-pleasing duties of being a teacher and not appreciating the wonder and energy that is an integral part of this profession. It was as though I was in the middle of the most magnificent rose garden and the only thing that I saw were the thorns upon each rose stem. Yes, teaching has its share of thorns, but it has an abundance of blooms as well. Last week, I forgot about that.

We all have good days and bad days, no matter what type of job we do. I didn't expect teaching to be without its moments of frustration. Understanding how to handle those moments is a lesson equally as important as any class I took during my teaching preparation. Simply, I wouldn't trade jobs for a million bucks (dollars, maybe, but not deer).

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Rich Henderson
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