“I’m here everyday. Why? Not because it’s my job, but because I love it.”
– Eric Foster, 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher, CCMS
The quote at the top of this week’s column has been my inspiration for the week. It was a statement made by a teacher, without prompting, and with heartfelt conviction. As I reflected on what Mr. Foster said, it was like a light shining on some of the challenges I was experiencing with regards to my work in our district. It is easy to get so caught up in the “job” that I forget about the part that really matters to my students.
Like Foster, I do what I do because I love it. I feel drawn to my students because I enjoy being in their presence.
Every day that I go to work, my students inspire me and make me laugh. When I am done working with a student, or a group of students, I feel a deep sense of satisfaction and well-being. Sometimes, however, I lose sight of that and become stressed over the “job” part of what I do.
When I say the “job” part of what I do, I am referring to the administrative work, the meetings, as well as moments that I question myself based on whether or not I am meeting the approval of the people who work above me. This type of thinking, when done from a place of fear, has a tendency to drain me of the inspiration and energy that I need to complete my everyday duties.
They also make it difficult to effectively reflect on the job I am doing. If I get stuck in that type of thinking, my job becomes more of a mental exercise, rather than a worthwhile endeavor that benefits others.
While I appreciate the benefits of working for a public school system, including the income and stable employment, it is only a part of the reason that I do what I do. I also choose to do my job because it feeds me on a deeper level. The more engaged I am with my students, the more joy returns to me. There is an inherently reinforcing aspect to connecting with, and encouraging, our students.
Taking Mr. Foster’s words to heart, this week I realigned myself with the love I feel for my job as the Inclusion Specialist for our district. I carried that enthusiasm into the lunch groups I facilitated and into the meetings with colleagues. I felt reinvigorated and refreshed. As a result, I had some wonderful experiences with students, parents, and co-workers.
What I experienced this week was a great reminder that inspired connections between myself and others are what my job is all about. When I enthusiastically greeted my students, I felt sincere gratitude toward them for being in my life. That feeling allowed me to be firm with them when it was required, and laugh when it was to time to laugh. I could sense that my students were equally appreciative of my place in their lives.
I was reminded of this as I was leaving Lin Howe Elementary School after a day of lunch groups.
During one of the groups, two students had engaged in an insult contest. Rather than joining in their power struggle by condemning them both, I remained neutral and focused on the activities at hand. I continued to enthusiastically remind them that I expected the best from them and that they might even become friends as the year went on. By the time the group finished they were peacefully participating with their peers, and went off to join their respective classes. Leaving the school that day, one of those students ran up to me and gave me a hug. I could feel the unspoken “thank you” in his action.
Perhaps you have gotten stuck in the “job” part of your life in some area. Now is the perfect time to reset. Find the aspects of your job or relationships that bring you satisfaction. What is it that inspires you during your day? Connect with those things that feed you on a deeper level. Make a list of those things and read it whenever you can use some inspiration. With this simple activity, you will find renewed energy to effectively complete the more mundane activities of life. You will also find greater enjoyment while doing the things that you love to do.
Edward Biagiotti is the Inclusion Specialist for Culver City Unified School District. He is also co-host of the popular radio show, Funniest Thing! with Darrell and Ed, to find out more go to www.DarrellandEd.com. Visit www.TappingIntoGenius.com for more articles and a free, inspirational parenting download.