The Spark

What is the spark that sets your soul on fire?

Who or what is the reason why you push forward - day in and day out? For me during my first year of teaching, it was one particular student. I loved every single one of my students and was fiercely determined to do everything I could to support and encourage them. But on the mornings when my eyes were still swollen from the tears the night before and I sat wondering if I could get up and do it all again, it was this one student who got my feet out of bed. His story and his resilience lit a spark in my soul that pushed me forward. 

Other years I’ve had other sparks. Last year, my spark was a dream to empower teachers through writing a book. Even though these sparks may look different depending on the environment, I believe they all fuel a common flame: the passion for an equitable, loving way to teach and learn from our students. 

I’ve had seasons when I couldn’t see the sparks or feel the warmth of the flame anymore. Those are difficult times to walk through. When this happens, I have to just be, holding onto hope that I still have sparks inside me. They will create life again, when they are given space and oxygen.