Why blog? Simple question with a not so simple answer. I will attempt, however, to answer this question that unfortunately, may leave the reader with more questions than answers. But, I do hope it leaves you wanting to know more about how I ended up writing and thus, you will follow along as I share my journey.

I will take you along with me from my first year of teaching, through my first appointment as a campus administrator, and ultimately as a school superintendent. Each experience ripe with lessons learned, increased support systems, tears, laughter, loneliness, anger, sadness, but ultimately a quest to do right by every single student I was charged to serve.

For now, back to the question, why blog? Prior to Thanksgiving of last year-yes, just a couple of months ago, I was confronted with a new truth, which rattled me to the core. I cannot tell you yet because you will not stay for the journey, but just know it left me asking myself, where do I belong? Brené Brown addresses belonging in many of her books. For instance, Ms. Brown states in her book, Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone, “Belonging starts with self-acceptance. Your level of belonging, in fact, can never be greater than your level of self-acceptance, because believing that you’re enough is what gives you the courage to be authentic, vulnerable and imperfect.”

Belonging and acceptance were now front and center for me and when faced with the unknown you begin to question everything. In my case, I did question everything. What I realized, however, is where I am today is not by accident. From my humble beginnings as a baby-faced, scared teacher in Baltimore City to my time in Houston, Texas; Decatur, Illinois; Colorado Springs, Colorado; and now, in Lansing, Illinois; each location provided and provides a golden nugget. I now have this innate desire to share my story on a platform that I control in my voice and my truth. And, because I am learning to live authentically and imperfectly, it begins…My story, My way.

My goal is to share a little bit of my journey every other week, so hit the follow button to stay up to date and if you are a praying person, I will gladly take those prayers.

Peace.