Start Where You Are

“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” ~ C.S. Lewis

Take a moment to reflect on the beginning of the school year. 

• What was going through your mind as you met your students for the first time? 

• What did those first days and weeks feel like? 

• What were you excited about? 

• What were you curious about? 

• What did you feel hesitant or even fearful about?

• As the school year progressed, what are some things you did that you’re proud of?

• Are there decisions or conversations you wish you could go back and change?

There are both beautiful and heartbreaking moments in every school year. When I reflect on these questions, often the times that bring the most joy and pride are when I remember my students coming together to build a community: A student sticking up for another student or an unlikely friendship forming. The things I wish I could go back and change are usually something like an unexpected goodbye or a stressful situation I handled poorly. 

This week, we are reminded that we still have a long way to go this year. That can seem so daunting and exhausting - and it is! But today I want to encourage you that we still have a long way to go this year! Whatever happened in the first half of the school year, whether good or bad, is in the past. We can start where we are and impact how the rest of this year looks for our students. At times it may feel like we are stuck, with little influence or control over the countless details that occur every day. But remember, teacher, you are making a difference every day. Your decisions to love and listen, to create and celebrate, to get up and show up mean more than you will ever know.