I entered the world of education 20 years ago. Fresh out of college in my one interview suit. I had my interview for my first real job on September 11, 2001.
I was interviewing for a Communications Specialist position with a small school district on the south side of Columbus. I heard the news of the first plane crashing into the first tower as I was getting ready to leave for my interview. Shocked and unsure of what to do, I finished preparing and left to keep my appointment. When I walked in, the lobby was empty. After about 15 minutes, I peered around the corner and knocked on a door. The superintendent, assistant superintendent and office staff were huddled in an office, watching the TV and trying to decide what to do about an elementary school close to an active military airstrip.
The school had been part of a large base many years ago, but since the base changed focus the military housing wasn’t needed anymore. The area was now used as apartments for low-income families, but the school still stood and was a happy place for many area kids. The administration was faced with a horrible choice, stay open and risk being that close to a possible military target or close and send young chilren home to possibly empty houses as parents were stuck at work on a day of national terrorism. Ultimately the administration decided to keep everyone at the school where they could care for kids and a few days later I was offered my first job in education.
20 years later, I’m so glad I kept that appointment despite being unsure and a little scared. I’ve witnessed extreme sorrows as schools come together during the death of a student or staff member. I’ve seen the horrible actions of parents fighting in a school lobby or being escorted out of a building by police because they couldn’t control their temper. I’ve sat through boring policy meetings, horrible board of education meetings and I’ve seen first hand just how sneaky and low certain members of the media will go to try and “find the dirt” of any situation. But I’ve stayed in education because I’ve also seen the incredible power that small gestures can have on a person’s life. How by simply listening to and believing in someone you can change everything for them and for yourself.
I’ve seen kids who were unsure about their futures celebrate with former teachers as they become the first in their family to graduate from college. I’ve seen schools host early graduation ceremonies because a parent was dying of cancer and couldn’t make it to the big event. I’ve seen parents from different backgrounds with very different points of view come together because their child found a friend. I’ve seen children in wheelchairs stand to walk across a stage and accept a diploma. I’ve seen rivals become teammates and work together for a common goal and I’ve seen seasoned educators take pay cuts to save the jobs of young teachers.
For me education isn’t about the degrees, money or even the content. For me, the real reason I’ve stayed in education for 20 years now is because of the people. Amazing people who bring out the best in others. Dedicated people who show up early and stay late, not because they are paid to, but because they care. Extraordinary people who work exceptionally hard to ensure that others succeed.
So thank you to all the exceptional people in education who continue to make a difference for me and kids every day.