Super
New Year
Super New You
Happy New Year!
This
time of year many choose to make resolutions to change something about
themselves or their lives that they are not satisfied with. A new year…a
fresh new start…perfect timing right? Yet,
think about how many of your resolutions you remember following through with in
the past.
Every
hero has their weaknesses. For those of
us in the school system- or who work with children and teens- it may
be a negative mindset, impatience, rigidness, unrealistic expectations,
personal problems, or even compassion fatigue.
We as educators have the responsibility of serving as models on how our students can become
the best version of themselves. Take a
moment to think about how each of these weaknesses can stand in the way of you
being the best version of YOU personally and professionally.
Some super hero qualifications
are (but are not limited to):
Strength-avoid
power struggles. Instead show strength by handling negative situations like a
Hero! In the face of danger what would Wonder Woman do? Back down? Complain?
Play the Victim? Blame others? She would rise to the occasion and demonstrate
her ability to rise above whatever obstacle is placed before her.
X-Ray
Vision- See through your enemy.
In the academic setting, we have 2 major enemies: Behaviors and
Cognitive Capabilities. Do your best to
see past the student, past their behavior, and discover what lies beneath. Is it frustration? Boredom? Trauma?
Family/Home Life? Is it a legitimate inability to learn in a particular way or
setting? Now, problem solve to determine a solution. If you cannot do so alone, consult with your
team. That is why we are here!
Secret
Elixir- Refrain from using your poison; otherwise known as
negative thoughts, beliefs, language, and messages. Student will become who you
expect them to become. Your secret
elixir is your own special concoction of positive messages, energy, and
experiences you can feed to your students.
Confidence- If
you are not confident in your ability to educate effectively, how can your
learners feel confident in their own ability to learn and become successful? The two go hand in hand. Having confidence means
having the ability to handle adversity with poise.
Empathy-
Understanding. Responsiveness. The ability to meet students, clients,
co-workers, friends and family where they
are at as well as being able to understand that we all have our “stuff” and
that “stuff” affects each of us in various ways. It is up to us as the professionals to
identify ways in which we can bring out the best in those we serve.
Generosity-
Watching others get into the holiday spirit -giving and being selfless- reminds
me of when the Grinch’s Heart grew “3 sizes that day.” In real life- your heart
growing 3 sizes is probably something to consult your doctor about but your
capacity for doing things for others is endless. Many people seem to think
their legacy lives on through the things they have accomplished, achieved,
gained, etc. I beg to differ. Your legacy lives on through the lives of those
you have come in contact with and influenced in some way. Do you want to leave
a legacy of students and coworkers who have gone on to be successful because
you were able to inspire them in some way? Being generous does not necessarily
mean to give material things. Your form of generosity can simply mean giving it
your all when it comes to educating.
Challenge yourself to GIVE a little more encouragement, a little more
laughter, a little more inspiration, and a little more compassion.
Creativity-
What new ways can you discover to do what you do best? Do a little research.
Ask others. Or even ask your students
what would make their academic experience more exciting, fun, interesting or at
the very least…bearable!
Light-Heartedness- Learn to laugh. Learn to let go. Learn to look at the bigger picture. How
serious was it really?
Humbleness-
Having insight to admit when you do not know something or that you are wrong as
well as having the ability to give credit where credit is due, will do a lot
for your mental stability. Pride creates a false sense of responsibility to prove
yourself and a sense of self-worth that is dependent upon your ability to be
the best or to avoid failure. Free yourself of that burden and learn to work as
a member of a team whose players all have various skills, strengths, and areas
of growth to attribute to the common goal; THE STUDENTS.
Dedication-
Above all, dedication to your craft and profession will mean you will do
everything in your power to be the best version of you who helps create the
best version of them!
So…
What’s
your Super Power?
xoxo
Ayla V. Expose
