New Job; Work Remains the Same

I recently accepted an offer with Fomcore, a company that offers soft seating solutions for educational settings and businesses, to manage their clients and sales in the West (not to worry local friends, no plans to move). A lot has changed in the classroom over the decades. Many have realized the way a classroom is laid out (along with the kind furniture is being use) makes a big difference in helping teachers teach and students to learn. I will be able to help clients by designing creative room layouts for media centers, robotics labs, etc. Classroom environment and “feel” matters and my new role will help set the stage for educators and students so they can concentrate on what they do best.

While I am looking forward to this opportunity I am sad to conclude my time teaching in the classroom setting. I am so incredibly thankful for the many students, teachers, administrators and parents I have come in contact with over the past 2 years. I have experienced first hand the challenges and complexities within our educational system and have grown in deeper appreciation for our kids, teachers and parents.

Most recently I have been privileged to serve as a long-term sub for a classroom of 9-11 year olds at the North East Education Center (an EI setting in Muskegon, MI) where I had taken over the day-to-day planning and curriculum for the class. I have taught lessons with turkey bones, laughed along with other teachers at the things students say and listened to students share their fears, worries and hopes.

I have watched these students integrate difficult experiences, grow in their capacity to handle change and uncertainty, and grow in their positive self-talk and optimism. While these students are capable of shutting down and giving over to their fear, they are also so incredibly capable of showing up and giving into the flow of Love.

From being affectionately referred to as “Mr. D” one minute to being called “Damn Dumb Diller” the next, these kids have shared their full self. They have inspired me to keep plugging away; to keep showing up and trusting the flow of life. As I have taught them to be kind and gracious to themselves I realized they have taught me the very same lesson.

The world is a better place because of these kids. They encourage me.

Also, I am overwhelmingly grateful for the staff at NEEC: Kristi, Dar, Jill, Sam, Beverly, Kim, Ashley, Sarah, Marilyn, Angie, Becky and Lisa. This staff, which operates more like family, doesn’t just talk about being kind, assuming the best, and giving your best self, they live it out; everyday. Thank you friends for inviting me in as one of your own. Thank you for your vulnerability and showing me what a true “team” looks like. Thank you for investing in these students.

Your work matters.

Your work makes a difference.

As I transition from one role to the next; a different job title, a different 9-5. I am reminded that My Work in this life, my calling, remains the same.

I will always serve as a champion for people.

My writing, painting, speaking and sharing will always exist for the purpose of encouraging others to live out their true-artist self. Further, to remind people that you are not your ‘job’ (what you do) or your successes/failures (what you’ve done), but rather, your identity is rooted in something much bigger.

So... My Work and my calling continue… I strive to serve as a signpost; highlighting that Grace is always close and Love is never far.

#work #job #calling