This Little Light of Mine..

My personality. Let’s just say God got a little distracted and poured a little heavy that day. I am just a people person and pleaser. I just naturally love people. I love their stories, the way they are different, their beliefs-- people, the more I meet and interact with the better. When I compare others, I don’t do it out of spite or to make someone look better than the other- it is simply, unapologetically who they are. For example, I am a “Go Big or Go Home” kind of gal. You give me a little project and I have to make it the most huge, extravagant thing they have ever seen. Will it make me exhausted, and tired? Probably. But the second I get a “WOW” or a “I cannot believe how amazing this is,” my bucket is instantly refilled. I just blame this on my middle kid syndrome. I’ll do anything for tiniest acknowledgement. When you put me in charge of an event - you can expect the whole school to look like a pep rally is about to happen, someone is coming in to observe my teaching from another school - my lesson better be the most elaborate thing they have ever seen, they want me to help with job fair - well were taking a canopy tent, hanging pictures from string, there will be cupcakes, and curtains so were unforgettable, we are organizing a school lip sync- oh then we need costumes and I need to paint a 6 foot by 6 foot tie dye slug bug so we can dance to car wash- considerate all of it done. I am notorious for taking something small and blowing it up into something huge! Some people get embarrassed by my go big nature, but I think Dr. Seuss said it best, “Why fit in when you were born to stand out.” I know quoting Dr. Seuss is kind of corny - but I find it to be so true in my case. My mom used to tell me the song “This Little Light of Mine” was wrote about me. The irony is now sometimes I have to sing this to myself to remind myself that although some appreciate my efforts, unfortunately some cast shade. But- “this little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let is shine.” I cannot stop shining because it might make others uncomfortable or maybe because they think I am trying to out do them - it is definitely not intentional but if I expect the best out of my students then I have to continue to expect and accept only the best from myself.

Maybe a more respectable reference is due. (Sorry Dr. Suess and Mom)

Adam Welcome and Todd Nesloney got it right! They started off their book Kids Deserve It with the perfect first chapter- “Go Big, Be Creative!” This is my favorite chapter because it is totally me. They ask, “Will you leap?” For me that answer is always- “Yes, and can I wear a costume with a glitter covered cape?”

To people who are afraid to leap, I would first answer this-  is this what is best for my kids? If that answer is, “YES!” -then leap, leap as high and far as you can! Creativity takes practice, execution of a craft takes time and effort. Do I think it is always going to work out? No. But I’m willing to go down swinging until I’ve exhausted every option, and then I reflect and come back bigger and better. Don’t cast a shadow on the “Go-big-or-go-home” people. Get in there and push yourself to be bigger and better, too. -and if you fail? Honestly, who cares- we all fail and you should get up and leap again!