Reflections from the Starting Line

by Paul Dols on 2 September, 2014

How do you relate to your journey as an educator? How do you relate to the journey of each student that walks through your doors?

Each year, hundreds, if not thousands, of students walk through your doors. If you're anything like the owner of this blog, each new year brings a sense of possibility and a call to reflect back on what has brought us to this new starting line. The way that we see ourselves and our students has a huge impact on our teaching.

In his first guest post on this blog, my good friend, Paul Dols talks about his first day back to school with students, how he and his student leadership team meet them, and how he sees his work as a teacher.

As you read his reflection, think about yours. We want to hear from you! Share your reflection about your first day of school at the bottom of this post! Tell us what matters to you!

Enter Paul...

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Week one is in the books and I believe it is a great time to look back at the lessons learned as the school year is off to a great start. We all lined ourselves up at the starting line, ready to begin the marathon that is our school year. Some of us (teacher and students) have prepared more than others. Many took the entire vacation off and did not continue the regimen that we usually establish during the year. Others arrived at the starting line with that determined look in their eyes ready to win at all costs. Then there were those who strode to the starting line with confidence overflowing through their pores and promptly pulled up lame five yards into the race.

I typically love the first day of school and this year was no exception. It was an exciting morning as our student leadership program ("Renaissance") welcomed our incoming 9th graders to our campus with our annual “Passport to Success”. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to speak to these youngest Wildcats about their commitment to graduate. My goal was to help them see that people on our campus care about them and are here for them on this most exciting of journeys. It was met with a great deal of enthusiasm. Our staff was spectacular. Our leadership students rose to the occasion. Our custodians responded to last minute requests with alacrity and a smile. And those students? They are ready. It was a great start.

I also learned a lesson about day 2. It is much more difficult getting up and getting through the second day. I was wiped out! The adrenaline of the first day had been replaced by a stirring sense of exhaustion as I stumbled through the parking lot to take on the second day. What I also learned is that once my students arrived I was fine. There is something uniquely energizing about being with a group of eager young minds that are ready to learn. Yes, the clock moves slower on day 2. Lunch also seemed to be a little shorter.

The arrival of day three also brought the arrival of what I call the “teacher rhythm.” It is simply the body and the brain syncing with the environment of a school. Moving from period to period and in many cases from room to room creates a rhythm or a vibe that educators thrive on. It is something I can actually feel. When the rhythm is off, so am I. It was welcomed on day 3. My feet were under me, all systems were go, and the marathon of another school year was underway. There will definitely be some difficult climbs and the weather will certainly not always be forgiving. There will even be spots along the way that I have to stop and walk. What I can guarantee you, however, is that no matter what comes, I will never stop moving forward to the finish line. I will finish... and so will my kids.

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