I tend to be passionate about being the kind of person I want to be. This includes trying to do the right thing, being respectful to others, being of assistance to others, being dependable, being honest, being fair-minded--in other words, many of the things a Pleaser who is not a Charmer might be passionate about. If I can help a student, his family, or a fellow staff member, I have had a good day. Change sometimes scares me, but I don't want to end up like my parents who miss out because computers scare them to the extent that they don't want to try one. Think of all the access they are missing to family and information that could be within their grasp. Learning new things keeps our brains active, a good thing for those of us who are longer in the tooth than some. Because my emphasis is often on relationships, being assigned to new areas has caused some older relationships to suffer, but I've found that there are good people and students and families in need wherever you go. New relationships and learning new technology, such as blogging, cell phones, the iPod, and the iPad, give me opportunity for dendrites to form, delaying the inevitable.
a. I am passionate about teaching children with special needs.I have two younger siblings with learning disabilities. They were never diagnosed in school and struggled terribly with no support. As a result they became discouraged and quit school in 7th grade.They never went to college and now struggle financially in adulthood. They also have serious self-esteem issues. I also have an adopted daughter with fetal alcohol syndrome, bi-polar disorder and ADD. My biological daughter had minor learning disabilities. Their generation was given a little more help. My adopted daughter graduated in 2005, and my youngest daughter has tested out of SPED and will graduate this coming May. I can look at Special Education from both sides, (as a teacher and a parent.) I see it as an opportunity to help students to success, who may not have had the chance without help.
I don't like change at all, but I can take it in stride. I have recently moved from a very large city in Florida to rural Kansas. I have changed from a self-contained K through 3 classrooms of 23 students to 1st grade inclusion. Whenever I have change in my life, I try to find the positive in each situation. I have to admit that in my current situation, it is quite easy.I really like my job!
One of my passions was getting good grades and always doing the best job I can possibly do. I've always had a drive for school work and now career work. I love to learn and develop a good knowledge base for my field. I feel more and more comfortable at my job the more I learn. I feel like the harder I try, the better I will do, which will in turn, help children's quality of life. There have been some moments that motivate me since I have began my professional career. One is seeing a child correct his /s/ sounds independently after a short amount of instruction and being super proud of himself.
I don't normally like change, but it usually helps me grow and adapt. I have gone through a lot of changes in the past year, with my externships, graduation, and beginning my professional career. I have learned a great deal with all of the changes, and try to make the most of it. Also, I have a hard time handling stress (which naturally goes along with change), and this is something that I need to work on.
One of the things I’m passionate about is the FFA (Future Farmers of America). This youth organization encourages high school students to discover a passion in life and to build on that goal to be successful in life. The FFA motto is for students to develop premier leadership, personal growth and career success through hands-on experiences in the vo-ag classroom. I’ve always said that the FFA teacher at my son’s high school help This single Mom raise four boys. This passion is fueled by the first hand experience I’ve seen not only with my own boys but as I’ve seen many students grow, choose goals for the first time and continue on to be successful adults.
As a teacher with a Family & Consumer Ed background I think that hands-on experiences mean the most to students. As an Inter-related teacher we try to encourage students to have a vision for their future, develop goals and be successful in school as well as in their future endeavors.
Change: When I hear this I can’t help but think of the story that goes “no one likes change except a baby who needs a new diaper – and they often fuss, scream and kick while the change is occurring”. I used to be really scared of change. For the most part growing up, I didn’t experience much change ( we didn’t move around; life was pretty predictable). The change that did happen were the death of my grandparents and a cousin and were handled as a normal part of life (growing up on a farm/ranch helps). As an adult with the responsibility of children; change was scary. But, I’ve come to realize that change can be a huge blessing and open doors for opportunities. Often change requires learning new information, but it also brings new friends. I hope I now look at change as a chance for new growth and new opportunities (even if I don’t know what might happen). While I believe there is some truth to the adage “if it’s not broke; why fix it” I’ve also seen groups of people “stuck” as they are unable to look at or even seek new opportunities. (Something I think our small rural communities have to be willing to do). Hmmm – raising boys certainly taught me that change is a normal part of life!
My passion is my family. Growing up family was always and still is very important. We had family reunions every summer and would spend an entire weekend with cousins, aunts, uncles, and numerous other family members playing cards, games, chatting, and eating. Family reunions were always the highlight of my summers growing up. As an adult family is still my number one priority. My husband and my children are my life. I love watching them be successful in their endeavors and watching my children grow and become independent little guys is awesome. What drives this passion was the experiences I grew up having as a child myself. My parents taught me to be self sufficient and cheered on all my dreams and goals and I find myself doing this with my own family now. I love watching the twinkle in my boys’ eyes when they have ideas and when they are successful. I love encouraging their growth and helping them to reach their goals.
As for change I like to think that “Role with the Punches” is my motto. As a teacher you have to be flexible and especially as a special education teacher you have to learn to not get you pants to bunched up or you will hit the burn out factor in this job. With many of my students what works today or this moment is not going to be the fact tomorrow so I have to be flexible and be a problem solver. Also for many of my kiddos you have to change things up occasionally or they get board and then come their behaviors. When it comes to change I will say I do like to have my ducks in a row. I do like having notice if possible and getting things worked out in my mind. I make my lists and talk to myself about how things should look before I head into a situation if possible but this does not always happen as there is no time or warning. I do find that even if I don’t like the change that is coming about I keep my opinions to myself and don’t voice them when I probably should and then brings on the stress and frustrations that could be avoided if I would just talk about it.
A. Passions People are my passion! My family is my first priority in all that I do. I value them completely; without family life would be horrible for me. I want my family to be happy, enjoy life, be successful, and maintain good health. All of us are one heart beat away from being replaced on a job, but that one heartbeat could be devastation to a family. I also have a strong passion for education, not just the students I work with, but also for working with colleges to improve instruction for education candidates. Every student deserves a quality education so they can become the best person possible; I want to enable students to achieve that goal.
B. Change Change and transitions make me anxious. I do not want to fail or embarrass myself! I want to be successful and I try to do what is right. I like to make sure I understand what is expected, look at examples, and then try. I am not a ‘jump in feet first’ person; I am more of a ‘toe wader.’
I agree with you about the fact that we are a heartbeat away from being replaced on a job, but that heartbeat could mean devastation to family. Family is always first. I think this book is a good reminder of the fact we need balance in order to be able to make our family a priority.
I would have to say I am passionate about a lot of things. First of all my family. I am a family oriented person. I love to spend time with my family hanging out, playing games. Just being together. This includes my immediate family (my husband and 2 daughters), and also with my mom and dad, sister, and my nephew and nieces. I am also very passionate about sports. Growing up my family was always involved with sports. In high school I got involved and even got to do it at the collegiate level. There is just something calming about exercising. Last but not least I am passionate about teaching. It is just very rewarding for me to see how much children grow within a year. It makes me feel a sense of accomplishment that I had a hand in their success. Change- I do not even like the word. It is funny that I have to talk about this because this was brought up over Christmas Break. I hate change. It makes me feel uncomfortable and a sense that I do not know what I am doing. When I got my first job teaching it was rough at the beginning, but eventually it got better. I knew what I was doing and just kept getting better. I never thought I would leave. Well... Budget cuts happened, I wasn't tenured so I was forced to find another job. My husband and I found jobs in Ulysses and had to move out west. This was a big change for me and a hard one. After 2 years I have finally adjusted and I love it now. I know change can be a good thing, because like Alan said if you do not ever change you will miss out on things. I especially do not want to do that, but it just takes me time to adjust to change.
My personal passion is my family. I have always put my children, now grandchildren, and husband first. My love for them and wanting what is best for them in their lives, with their problems, & to celebrate with them on their successes is what fuels this personal passion. I think this shows the pleaser in me as I want what is best for them and for them to be happy.
Change is hard for me even if I know it should happen. I tend to invent worries about the unknown and loose sleep over it. In the end I find the worrying was needless but that never keeps me from worrying the next time there is change. I tend to worry about everything anyway and certainly know I’m not a charmer.
I don't have just one, but the main ones are fueled by love from others and a sense of helping others. I am most passionate about my faith, in striving to grow in a deeper relationship with Christ and showing Him to everyone I meet. I am also passionate for my supporting family, and I also love my job and adore my students. I honestly feel blessed to get to work with them and see them succeed. It depends what type of change it is. Growing up in a family that famously doesn't plan (week long vacations where we have 15 min. to get in the car and then voting which way to turn at a fork-in-the-road) definitely has made the effects of change easier in many respects, and many times leading to unforgettable experiences. As a result, I enjoy spontaneity in life, but at the same time there is a comfort in keeping things the same for the major things in life.
* How I handle change - it depends what it is. Major change I tend to worry if I am making the right decision and how things are going to turn out. Minor changes are much easier to embrace, especially if it is exciting :) Laura - I bet it is really exciting to have grandchildren - what a special thing. I am just an aunt, but it is such an amazing experience to see the little ones grow up and be a part of their lives, I can only imagine what it is like for you :) Ashley - your part about change gave me anxiety just to read it. Change is definitely difficult, but I am sure that every thing will turn out for the positive.
Passion is what fuels us and keeps us going even when the going is tough. Its finding those things that we are really passionate about. A friend of mine and I were talking and she said everyone needs to find 5 things that really make them happy or that they are passionate about and do them everyday or as often as possible to keep you emotionally healthy. I really believe this.
I am passionate about HPEC and working in education, but it really bothers me that I see a number or people these days in education that have lost that passion for teaching and working with kids. People that are treating teaching like it is "just a job" that I have to go to. I would think that would make their lives incredibly boring and unsatisfying. I know there is a tendency these days in education to get caught up in the red tape, laws, regulations, and accountability, but really what did we get into teaching for---have we lost sight of the kids????
As for passions in my personal life, it would have to be my children,and grandchildren.(By the way I have a new grandson, Caleb.) Next would be reading. Love it. Of course when I read for enjoyment it is usually something of absolutely no social redeeming value it is purely for pleasure--romance and science fiction/fantasy.
Let's talk change. I believe the only constant in life is change. How change affects you is all in the attitude. You can embrace change and go with the flow or resist it all you can--it will still happen. I tend to be a "go with the flow" kind of gal. I like technology and all the changes it brings to life. I have been in education long enough to see many things change and even see many things cycle back around. But in terms of leadership I think it is very important to empathize with those who find change very hard. For many people being out of the comfort zone is frustrating, and scary. Sometimes you just have to have a little faith that in the end everything will work out and that the change will be for the better. I tend to think of it as an adventure and something new to learn. I believe in continually "remaking" ourselves to fit a new job, position, or lifestyle.
I cannot commit to one passion or something that I am really passionate about. If I think about my family, then I would be passionate about providing for them, making sure I am there for them, instilling good values, etc. If job is another category, then my passion is that everyone is doing their job to the best of their ability. Hobbies like sewing, scrapbooking, golfing, going to Vegas are passions of mine, but I don’t know that I am passionate about them. This was hard to discuss. Change is good but it does cause stress and anxiety. How one accepts change has a lot to do how they will handle it. I am always in favor of change it is refreshing to do something different. I don’t like to hear, “we have always done it like that.”
I am passionate about my family. I love being a mom to my two boys and try to spend as much time with them as I possibly can. It is important to me to be involved in their lives and to take an interest in what interests them. I also enjoy spending time with my husband, my parents, grandmother, and brother.
Even though my family is my first passion, I also have a passion for my job. I enjoy going to work and meeting the daily challenges colleagues, students, and parents present. Seeing those around me grow and change is a very rewarding part of my job and helps maintain my passion for education.
First off, I absolutely hate change in my personal life. I thrive on the stability a healthy family, good jobs, and long term relationships provide. Anything that threatens to change this structure can cause me a great amount of anxiety. In my job, I think I am more open to change. One thing I have always liked about working for HPEC is their willingness to change. I also think in education you have to change frequently or fall behind. When one falls behind, students suffer. Every student, teacher, and situation present different challenges and needs. To be effective and meet those needs you have to change and look at new ideas. You can't expect different results if you do what you always have.
I really like helping others and making people happy. When I know my actions are making a difference, that’s when I feel best about myself. I’ve seen instances where the smallest things you wouldn’t even think matter have affected someone’s life tremendously. So I guess what fuels my passion is the thought that, why wouldn’t you want to have that sort of positive impact in someone’s life if you’re given the opportunity???
I think I always experience some level of anxiety with change because it’s something completely different; it’s the unknown. The weird thing is, I think I have a greater reaction and express my feelings more openly with smaller changes, whereas, with larger changes, I feel like I tend to process the whole situation more to myself. Overall, I just try to roll with the punches and make the best out of whatever arises, because I’m pretty sure change is going to happen despite whatever my opinions may be on the matter.
Alan~ When you said you didn’t want to end up like your parents “who miss out because computers scare them to the extent that they don’t want to try one,” it reminded me EXACTLY of my family! We didn’t have a computer with a word processing program in my house until I was a sophomore in high school (I remember typing research reports on my dad’s typewriter from college, and this was only about 10 years ago!), and even then, we didn’t have an internet connection until the latter half of my junior year (And I honestly think we STILL wouldn’t have had that if not for my constant begging/pleading that I needed one for school assignments, haha!). I think my dad completely runs off the mindset that if it isn’t broke, he’s not going to fix it. For example, he’s been a school psychologist for 40+ years, still does everything pencil/paper unless forced to use a different medium, has never had an email account, and just got a cell phone this last year because of nagging from the family. I don’t think I could manage that situation like he has, but since it’s always worked for him, I guess he doesn’t really think he needs to do anything different. My mom isn’t quite on that level, but isn’t far behind, so I think that’s where I get some of my opinions regarding change.
Laura~ I completely related to everything you mentioned about worrying! I don’t know how much time (or sleep, as you noted) I’ve lost to stressing over things that turn out to be absolutely nothing (Sometimes, haha!). Then, as soon as the situation’s over, and I think to myself, “Wow… I’m not doing THAT again…” Something similar happens, and I’m right back to my old habits! I spent a lot of time with my Grandma Horyna growing up, and she could definitely be classified as a worrier as well. Whenever we were traveling, she’d always tell us to let her know when we left so she could “worry on time,” and I’m pretty sure she was being serious, haha! =) Maybe that’s where I developed some of my tendencies…
A passion I have is one of sewing/quilting. It is a hobby I have that is very relaxing for me. I can go into my sewing room and forget about the stresses of life. It is very enjoyable and something that fuels my passion is getting to buy more fabric-even if I don't need it. Maybe that's more of an obsession!!
I can accept change depending on how drastic it is. If change means providing better services for the children I work with, then I can make the change pretty easily. In the last several years my job description has changed and it has taken me a while to change old habits and I'm still not where I want to be, but I am striving to get there. I have a goal in mind and I try to better myself each year.
I fell very passionate about my students! I want my students to go out and be successful after high school. I try to do everything I can to help them develop the skills to do so. Sometimes I know that they do not understand why I keep pushing and shoving, but I hope in the future they will realize that I had high expectations for them and I wanted them to succeed. Some teachers do not have very high expectations for students with disabilities. However, I know that they can compete with their peers. I do not want them to use their disability as a crutch!
Change for me is really hard! When I made the decision to transfer to Ulysses, I thought long and hard. However, that first step I took to change has helped me be more comfortable with change. Whenever we are called upon to make changes, I mentally tell myself that nothing can be as hard as my transfer. In addition, I learned a lot about myself due to the change.
For the most part I am pretty flexible and adaptable. I am not afraid of change however I am also not a person who jumps into major decisions w/out thinking it out and weighing my choices. I am passionate about my family! There is nothing I wouldn't do for them. I try to bring the same intensity and passion to my students everyday.
I am passionate about life in general. Since my dad passed away last year, I have really become more aware of how fragile life is and how our actions can have a lasting effect on everyone around you. I love teaching and coaching. Even on days when I'm asking myself "what the heck were you thinking linda being a teacher?" I start over the next day enjoying the challenges presented by my students and having to use my brain to reach them in a whole different way. JUDY, I am so with you on not wanting my students to use their disability as a crutch too! Life isn't fair and in the real world my students have got to deal with their disability to the best of their abilities and not give up.
As far as change??? HATE IT! I don't like change and I get really agitated when something disrupts my day (kinda ADHD trait I know). But I try really hard to calmly accept something different and try to step back and look at the big picture instead of the here and now. But also, if I know change will benefit others and not so much myself-I try to do what's best for everyone else and not only think of me.
a. Charmers are passionate people. What is one of your passions and what fuels it?
I am very passionate about my family. It is important to me that there is plenty of time to spend with my children and husband. We all get really busy with school activities and we have to really work sometimes to find time to spend together. We have learned that we also have to work to make it quality time. Playing cards or board games is the latest use of quality time together at our house. It is fun and our kids love it!
b.Change and Job transitions often produce less anxiety for Charmers. How do you feel about change and how do you handle change?
I do not mind change at all. In fact, sometime I welcome it with open arms. I live by faith and feel that if change occurs it is for a reason. I have faith that God will show me what I need to do and when. I jump in with both feet and have the reassurance that God will never give me more than I can handle.
I tend to be passionate about being the kind of person I want to be. This includes trying to do the right thing, being respectful to others, being of assistance to others, being dependable, being honest, being fair-minded--in other words, many of the things a Pleaser who is not a Charmer might be passionate about. If I can help a student, his family, or a fellow staff member, I have had a good day. Change sometimes scares me, but I don't want to end up like my parents who miss out because computers scare them to the extent that they don't want to try one. Think of all the access they are missing to family and information that could be within their grasp. Learning new things keeps our brains active, a good thing for those of us who are longer in the tooth than some. Because my emphasis is often on relationships, being assigned to new areas has caused some older relationships to suffer, but I've found that there are good people and students and families in need wherever you go. New relationships and learning new technology, such as blogging, cell phones, the iPod, and the iPad, give me opportunity for dendrites to form, delaying the inevitable.
ReplyDeletea. I am passionate about teaching children with special needs.I have two younger siblings with learning disabilities. They were never diagnosed in school and struggled terribly with no support. As a result they became discouraged and quit school in 7th grade.They never went to college and now struggle financially in adulthood. They also have serious self-esteem issues. I also have an adopted daughter with fetal alcohol syndrome, bi-polar disorder and ADD. My biological daughter had minor learning disabilities. Their generation was given a little more help. My adopted daughter graduated in 2005, and my youngest daughter has tested out of SPED and will graduate this coming May. I can look at Special Education from both sides, (as a teacher and a parent.) I see it as an opportunity to help students to success, who may not have had the chance without help.
ReplyDeleteI don't like change at all, but I can take it in stride. I have recently moved from a very large city in Florida to rural Kansas. I have changed from a self-contained K through 3 classrooms of 23 students to 1st grade inclusion. Whenever I have change in my life, I try to find the positive in each situation. I have to admit that in my current situation, it is quite easy.I really like my job!
One of my passions was getting good grades and always doing the best job I can possibly do. I've always had a drive for school work and now career work. I love to learn and develop a good knowledge base for my field. I feel more and more comfortable at my job the more I learn. I feel like the harder I try, the better I will do, which will in turn, help children's quality of life. There have been some moments that motivate me since I have began my professional career. One is seeing a child correct his /s/ sounds independently after a short amount of instruction and being super proud of himself.
ReplyDeleteI don't normally like change, but it usually helps me grow and adapt. I have gone through a lot of changes in the past year, with my externships, graduation, and beginning my professional career. I have learned a great deal with all of the changes, and try to make the most of it. Also, I have a hard time handling stress (which naturally goes along with change), and this is something that I need to work on.
One of the things I’m passionate about is the FFA (Future Farmers of America). This youth organization encourages high school students to discover a passion in life and to build on that goal to be successful in life. The FFA motto is for students to develop premier leadership, personal growth and career success through hands-on experiences in the vo-ag classroom. I’ve always said that the FFA teacher at my son’s high school help
ReplyDeleteThis single Mom raise four boys. This passion is fueled by the first hand experience I’ve seen not only with my own boys but as I’ve seen many students grow, choose goals for the first time and continue on to be successful adults.
As a teacher with a Family & Consumer Ed background I think that hands-on experiences mean the most to students. As an Inter-related teacher we try to encourage students to have a vision for their future, develop goals and be successful in school as well as in their future endeavors.
Change: When I hear this I can’t help but think of the story that goes “no one likes change except a baby who needs a new diaper – and they often fuss, scream and kick while the change is occurring”. I used to be really scared of change. For the most part growing up, I didn’t experience much change ( we didn’t move around; life was pretty predictable). The change that did happen were the death of my grandparents and a cousin and were handled as a normal part of life (growing up on a farm/ranch helps). As an adult with the responsibility of children; change was scary. But, I’ve come to realize that change can be a huge blessing and open doors for opportunities. Often change requires learning new information, but it also brings new friends. I hope I now look at change as a chance for new growth and new opportunities (even if I don’t know what might happen). While I believe there is some truth to the adage “if it’s not broke; why fix it” I’ve also seen groups of people “stuck” as they are unable to look at or even seek new opportunities. (Something I think our small rural communities have to be willing to do). Hmmm – raising boys certainly taught me that change is a normal part of life!
My passion is my family. Growing up family was always and still is very important. We had family reunions every summer and would spend an entire weekend with cousins, aunts, uncles, and numerous other family members playing cards, games, chatting, and eating. Family reunions were always the highlight of my summers growing up. As an adult family is still my number one priority. My husband and my children are my life. I love watching them be successful in their endeavors and watching my children grow and become independent little guys is awesome. What drives this passion was the experiences I grew up having as a child myself. My parents taught me to be self sufficient and cheered on all my dreams and goals and I find myself doing this with my own family now. I love watching the twinkle in my boys’ eyes when they have ideas and when they are successful. I love encouraging their growth and helping them to reach their goals.
ReplyDeleteAs for change I like to think that “Role with the Punches” is my motto. As a teacher you have to be flexible and especially as a special education teacher you have to learn to not get you pants to bunched up or you will hit the burn out factor in this job. With many of my students what works today or this moment is not going to be the fact tomorrow so I have to be flexible and be a problem solver. Also for many of my kiddos you have to change things up occasionally or they get board and then come their behaviors. When it comes to change I will say I do like to have my ducks in a row. I do like having notice if possible and getting things worked out in my mind. I make my lists and talk to myself about how things should look before I head into a situation if possible but this does not always happen as there is no time or warning. I do find that even if I don’t like the change that is coming about I keep my opinions to myself and don’t voice them when I probably should and then brings on the stress and frustrations that could be avoided if I would just talk about it.
A. Passions
ReplyDeletePeople are my passion!
My family is my first priority in all that I do. I value them completely; without family life would be horrible for me. I want my family to be happy, enjoy life, be successful, and maintain good health. All of us are one heart beat away from being replaced on a job, but that one heartbeat could be devastation to a family.
I also have a strong passion for education, not just the students I work with, but also for working with colleges to improve instruction for education candidates. Every student deserves a quality education so they can become the best person possible; I want to enable students to achieve that goal.
B. Change
Change and transitions make me anxious. I do not want to fail or embarrass myself! I want to be successful and I try to do what is right. I like to make sure I understand what is expected, look at examples, and then try. I am not a ‘jump in feet first’ person; I am more of a ‘toe wader.’
I agree with you about the fact that we are a heartbeat away from being replaced on a job, but that heartbeat could mean devastation to family. Family is always first. I think this book is a good reminder of the fact we need balance in order to be able to make our family a priority.
DeleteI would have to say I am passionate about a lot of things. First of all my family. I am a family oriented person. I love to spend time with my family hanging out, playing games. Just being together. This includes my immediate family (my husband and 2 daughters), and also with my mom and dad, sister, and my nephew and nieces. I am also very passionate about sports. Growing up my family was always involved with sports. In high school I got involved and even got to do it at the collegiate level. There is just something calming about exercising. Last but not least I am passionate about teaching. It is just very rewarding for me to see how much children grow within a year. It makes me feel a sense of accomplishment that I had a hand in their success.
ReplyDeleteChange- I do not even like the word. It is funny that I have to talk about this because this was brought up over Christmas Break. I hate change. It makes me feel uncomfortable and a sense that I do not know what I am doing. When I got my first job teaching it was rough at the beginning, but eventually it got better. I knew what I was doing and just kept getting better. I never thought I would leave. Well... Budget cuts happened, I wasn't tenured so I was forced to find another job. My husband and I found jobs in Ulysses and had to move out west. This was a big change for me and a hard one. After 2 years I have finally adjusted and I love it now. I know change can be a good thing, because like Alan said if you do not ever change you will miss out on things. I especially do not want to do that, but it just takes me time to adjust to change.
My personal passion is my family. I have always put my children, now grandchildren, and husband first. My love for them and wanting what is best for them in their lives, with their problems, & to celebrate with them on their successes is what fuels this personal passion. I think this shows the pleaser in me as I want what is best for them and for them to be happy.
ReplyDeleteChange is hard for me even if I know it should happen. I tend to invent worries about the unknown and loose sleep over it. In the end I find the worrying was needless but that never keeps me from worrying the next time there is change. I tend to worry about everything anyway and certainly know I’m not a charmer.
I don't have just one, but the main ones are fueled by love from others and a sense of helping others. I am most passionate about my faith, in striving to grow in a deeper relationship with Christ and showing Him to everyone I meet. I am also passionate for my supporting family, and I also love my job and adore my students. I honestly feel blessed to get to work with them and see them succeed.
ReplyDeleteIt depends what type of change it is. Growing up in a family that famously doesn't plan (week long vacations where we have 15 min. to get in the car and then voting which way to turn at a fork-in-the-road) definitely has made the effects of change easier in many respects, and many times leading to unforgettable experiences. As a result, I enjoy spontaneity in life, but at the same time there is a comfort in keeping things the same for the major things in life.
* How I handle change - it depends what it is. Major change I tend to worry if I am making the right decision and how things are going to turn out. Minor changes are much easier to embrace, especially if it is exciting :)
ReplyDeleteLaura - I bet it is really exciting to have grandchildren - what a special thing. I am just an aunt, but it is such an amazing experience to see the little ones grow up and be a part of their lives, I can only imagine what it is like for you :)
Ashley - your part about change gave me anxiety just to read it. Change is definitely difficult, but I am sure that every thing will turn out for the positive.
I think the type of change is important to take into consideration. Like you said, if it is major change I tend to worry more about it.
DeletePassion is what fuels us and keeps us going even when the going is tough. Its finding those things that we are really passionate about. A friend of mine and I were talking and she said everyone needs to find 5 things that really make them happy or that they are passionate about and do them everyday or as often as possible to keep you emotionally healthy. I really believe this.
ReplyDeleteI am passionate about HPEC and working in education, but it really bothers me that I see a number or people these days in education that have lost that passion for teaching and working with kids. People that are treating teaching like it is "just a job" that I have to go to. I would think that would make their lives incredibly boring and unsatisfying. I know there is a tendency these days in education to get caught up in the red tape, laws, regulations, and accountability, but really what did we get into teaching for---have we lost sight of the kids????
As for passions in my personal life, it would have to be my children,and grandchildren.(By the way I have a new grandson, Caleb.) Next would be reading. Love it. Of course when I read for enjoyment it is usually something of absolutely no social redeeming value it is purely for pleasure--romance and science fiction/fantasy.
Let's talk change. I believe the only constant in life is change. How change affects you is all in the attitude. You can embrace change and go with the flow or resist it all you can--it will still happen. I tend to be a "go with the flow" kind of gal. I like technology and all the changes it brings to life. I have been in education long enough to see many things change and even see many things cycle back around. But in terms of leadership I think it is very important to empathize with those who find change very hard. For many people being out of the comfort zone is frustrating, and scary. Sometimes you just have to have a little faith that in the end everything will work out and that the change will be for the better. I tend to think of it as an adventure and something new to learn. I believe in continually "remaking" ourselves to fit a new job, position, or lifestyle.
ReplyDeleteChapter Four
ReplyDeleteI cannot commit to one passion or something that I am really passionate about. If I think about my family, then I would be passionate about providing for them, making sure I am there for them, instilling good values, etc. If job is another category, then my passion is that everyone is doing their job to the best of their ability. Hobbies like sewing, scrapbooking, golfing, going to Vegas are passions of mine, but I don’t know that I am passionate about them. This was hard to discuss.
Change is good but it does cause stress and anxiety. How one accepts change has a lot to do how they will handle it. I am always in favor of change it is refreshing to do something different. I don’t like to hear, “we have always done it like that.”
I am passionate about my family. I love being a mom to my two boys and try to spend as much time with them as I possibly can. It is important to me to be involved in their lives and to take an interest in what interests them. I also enjoy spending time with my husband, my parents, grandmother, and brother.
ReplyDeleteEven though my family is my first passion, I also have a passion for my job. I enjoy going to work and meeting the daily challenges colleagues, students, and parents present. Seeing those around me grow and change is a very rewarding part of my job and helps maintain my passion for education.
First off, I absolutely hate change in my personal life. I thrive on the stability a healthy family, good jobs, and long term relationships provide. Anything that threatens to change this structure can cause me a great amount of anxiety. In my job, I think I am more open to change. One thing I have always liked about working for HPEC is their willingness to change. I also think in education you have to change frequently or fall behind. When one falls behind, students suffer. Every student, teacher, and situation present different challenges and needs. To be effective and meet those needs you have to change and look at new ideas. You can't expect different results if you do what you always have.
I really like helping others and making people happy. When I know my actions are making a difference, that’s when I feel best about myself. I’ve seen instances where the smallest things you wouldn’t even think matter have affected someone’s life tremendously. So I guess what fuels my passion is the thought that, why wouldn’t you want to have that sort of positive impact in someone’s life if you’re given the opportunity???
ReplyDeleteI think I always experience some level of anxiety with change because it’s something completely different; it’s the unknown. The weird thing is, I think I have a greater reaction and express my feelings more openly with smaller changes, whereas, with larger changes, I feel like I tend to process the whole situation more to myself. Overall, I just try to roll with the punches and make the best out of whatever arises, because I’m pretty sure change is going to happen despite whatever my opinions may be on the matter.
Alan~
When you said you didn’t want to end up like your parents “who miss out because computers scare them to the extent that they don’t want to try one,” it reminded me EXACTLY of my family! We didn’t have a computer with a word processing program in my house until I was a sophomore in high school (I remember typing research reports on my dad’s typewriter from college, and this was only about 10 years ago!), and even then, we didn’t have an internet connection until the latter half of my junior year (And I honestly think we STILL wouldn’t have had that if not for my constant begging/pleading that I needed one for school assignments, haha!). I think my dad completely runs off the mindset that if it isn’t broke, he’s not going to fix it. For example, he’s been a school psychologist for 40+ years, still does everything pencil/paper unless forced to use a different medium, has never had an email account, and just got a cell phone this last year because of nagging from the family. I don’t think I could manage that situation like he has, but since it’s always worked for him, I guess he doesn’t really think he needs to do anything different. My mom isn’t quite on that level, but isn’t far behind, so I think that’s where I get some of my opinions regarding change.
Laura~
I completely related to everything you mentioned about worrying! I don’t know how much time (or sleep, as you noted) I’ve lost to stressing over things that turn out to be absolutely nothing (Sometimes, haha!). Then, as soon as the situation’s over, and I think to myself, “Wow… I’m not doing THAT again…” Something similar happens, and I’m right back to my old habits! I spent a lot of time with my Grandma Horyna growing up, and she could definitely be classified as a worrier as well. Whenever we were traveling, she’d always tell us to let her know when we left so she could “worry on time,” and I’m pretty sure she was being serious, haha! =) Maybe that’s where I developed some of my tendencies…
A passion I have is one of sewing/quilting. It is a hobby I have that is very relaxing for me. I can go into my sewing room and forget about the stresses of life. It is very enjoyable and something that fuels my passion is getting to buy more fabric-even if I don't need it. Maybe that's more of an obsession!!
ReplyDeleteI can accept change depending on how drastic it is. If change means providing better services for the children I work with, then I can make the change pretty easily. In the last several years my job description has changed and it has taken me a while to change old habits and I'm still not where I want to be, but I am striving to get there. I have a goal in mind and I try to better myself each year.
I fell very passionate about my students! I want my students to go out and be successful after high school. I try to do everything I can to help them develop the skills to do so. Sometimes I know that they do not understand why I keep pushing and shoving, but I hope in the future they will realize that I had high expectations for them and I wanted them to succeed. Some teachers do not have very high expectations for students with disabilities. However, I know that they can compete with their peers. I do not want them to use their disability as a crutch!
ReplyDeleteChange for me is really hard! When I made the decision to transfer to Ulysses, I thought long and hard. However, that first step I took to change has helped me be more comfortable with change. Whenever we are called upon to make changes, I mentally tell myself that nothing can be as hard as my transfer. In addition, I learned a lot about myself due to the change.
For the most part I am pretty flexible and adaptable. I am not afraid of change however I am also not a person who jumps into major decisions w/out thinking it out and weighing my choices. I am passionate about my family! There is nothing I wouldn't do for them. I try to bring the same intensity and passion to my students everyday.
ReplyDeleteI am passionate about life in general. Since my dad passed away last year, I have really become more aware of how fragile life is and how our actions can have a lasting effect on everyone around you. I love teaching and coaching. Even on days when I'm asking myself "what the heck were you thinking linda being a teacher?" I start over the next day enjoying the challenges presented by my students and having to use my brain to reach them in a whole different way. JUDY, I am so with you on not wanting my students to use their disability as a crutch too! Life isn't fair and in the real world my students have got to deal with their disability to the best of their abilities and not give up.
ReplyDeleteAs far as change??? HATE IT! I don't like change and I get really agitated when something disrupts my day (kinda ADHD trait I know). But I try really hard to calmly accept something different and try to step back and look at the big picture instead of the here and now. But also, if I know change will benefit others and not so much myself-I try to do what's best for everyone else and not only think of me.
a. Charmers are passionate people. What is one of your passions and what fuels it?
ReplyDeleteI am very passionate about my family. It is important to me that there is plenty of time to spend with my children and husband. We all get really busy with school activities and we have to really work sometimes to find time to spend together. We have learned that we also have to work to make it quality time. Playing cards or board games is the latest use of quality time together at our house. It is fun and our kids love it!
b.Change and Job transitions often produce less anxiety for Charmers. How do you feel about change and how do you handle change?
I do not mind change at all. In fact, sometime I welcome it with open arms. I live by faith and feel that if change occurs it is for a reason. I have faith that God will show me what I need to do and when. I jump in with both feet and have the reassurance that God will never give me more than I can handle.