A new school year…do you smell that freshness?

I started this blog over the summer with the mindset that with all the time I had on my hands, I’d have several opportunities (and of course, epiphanies and shrieks of eureka) that would stimulate my writing.  Alas, my summer has nearly passed, and I’ve started a new job at a public middle school as a 6th grade guidance counselor, and time is all the lesser.

But I realized to actually keep up a blog, you gotta/hafta/MUST post things.  So, here’s to my summer of the past: a graduation, a few trips here and there, and some visits with family.  And oh yes, a new nephew (“newphew”) being born.  Quite monumental.

Now a new [school] year is upon us, and new school years bring to mind setting new, fresh impressions.

There’s something challenging, daunting, and exhilarating about embarking on something brand new.  For the first time in a long time, I’m working in a role and at a school where no one really knew from me before.  We have some common networking connections, but no one knew me from my schooling, my social life, or even from my neighborhood/area of town.  Sometimes, walking into a new place with nothing of those sorts previously arranged can be a bit petrifying.  As an adult you’re asking yourself, “Who will be my friend?  Where I will sit at these faculty meetings?  Will people like me?”  Questions that are oh-so-similar to young ones starting a new school year.

However, I’m choosing to look at it as an opportunity to lay down the new, fresh, professional ME.  Not that aspects of my personality have drastically changed, but I am committed to setting and fulfilling certain new goals.  What are they, you may ask?  Well…in no certain order, here’s what I’m committed to over the next little while, and let me know if these help you set up, maintain and/or rejuvenate your professional identity, no matter where you work or what you do:

1. Punctuality.  It’s been my thorn in the flesh since about 5th grade, which is perhaps ironic since I’m working with middle schoolers who are probably more punctual than I am.  I don’t need anyone to know that I’ve historically ran about 5-10 minutes late (although by posting this blog I’m making it, in fact, a LOT easier for anyone to know that).  I’ve made a concerted effort these last few weeks to try to leave a good few minutes before I really need to.  Not only is my work across a good stretch of town, but I’m really supposed to be at work by a designated time, and to show up later is an insult to those with whom I work and to those who hired me.
2. Courtesy.  As a young buck, I tried to balance timidity with boldness…”I’m just gonna bust up in there and ask my question…I gotta know this answer!” all the while holding myself back with scrunched up apologetic shoulder stances and a face that says, “I know that you seriously do not appreciate that I’m taking up your time right now.”  I don’t think that always went over so well.  The mix of audacity with insecurity only makes others more confused by your approach.  So, the courtesy comes in respecting others’ time, and making my questions short, sweet, and succinct.  And appreciating those taking a little extra time just for me to explain something.  Just like my writing. 
3. A sense of dignity.  Oftentimes, by trying to ingratiate myself with new coworkers, I may succumb to their petty, insipid jokes by coaxing a laugh out of myself (quite difficult) or I may offer a tidbit about someone else that truly isn’t flattering, which shows to everyone around, “Hey, even if this sliver of juicy info is pretty mild, I’ll still participate in your backtalk and slander.”  I’m young, I can still maintain my innocence, and I’m not going to let cynical, burnt out and negative peeps get me down.
4. And finally, a sense of enthusiasm.  Young people are often known for bringing in fresh juices with good ideas and creativity to their workplaces.  I don’t have in my professional development improvement plan, “To take over the world, one guidance counseling meeting a time,” (but maybe I should), but I do have a lot of questions, curiosities, and new things I may want to try.  And that’s where a little audacity and enthusiasm added together = bodaciousness. I don’t think you’ll find that equation in your textbooks, but I have a sneaking suspicion it may work.

Now my next goal…which maybe I’ll set on accomplishing next year, is brevity.

To my 2 loyal blog readers, sorry for the unanticipated hiatus.  I hope as I experience more interesting situations, more mindful material will float your way.  Until then, buy a trapper keeper and get that life organized!

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