twenty years ago

I am celebrating an anniversary ... it was 20 years ago that I started working in Education.

It's a little weird in a way - I hated school. I floundered academically, and remember struggling, finding it all truly horrible. It was a fairly painful time in many ways.

After leaving school, I had no idea of what I wanted to do. I went from job to job trying different things, hoping to find my calling. I was a carpet cleaner for a while, vacuum cleaner salesman, taxi driver, courier, an assistant manager at a restaurant, newspaper sales regional representative, A Theatre Production Assistant ...

I have to admit ... I have never been too money hungry. I always believed that it was more important to enjoy what you did than to be doing a job because the pay was good.

When I saw the position for an Educational Assistant in the paper, I thought it would be worth exploring. I had experience as a youth help line volunteer, and felt good about the work I had done with that organization over the last couple of years, so I thought this might also be rewarding.

It was ... over the years I have enjoyed working with children and young adults, in many different capacities. My experiences have helped me grow and improve. Through the years I have been fortunate to learn much more, and become an effective, positive role model in the schools.

I have been an instructor for Continuing Education, teaching various computer courses; I have been a Computer Lab Administrator, helping to set up and maintain computers as their popularity increased throughout schools.

In many ways, my experiences as a student in school have ended up helping me be more effective in my job. I can relate to students that are struggling, troubled and feeling lost.

School is not for everyone. Sometimes it can be like trying to pound a square peg into a round hole. There are more important things than school ... character, intention, citizenship, perspective. Academics are only part of the picture.

I am proud to work in Education, and continue to grow and learn as the years pass. I look forward to the challenges ahead, whatever they may be ...

it's been a good week for me

As a substitute Educational Assistant, work can be hit and miss ... but this last week not only have I been lucky enough to work every day, but I have been working at a couple of my favorite schools. These schools have caring, talented staff, and wonderful children.

I saw a poster in one of the staff rooms with the following:

Guidance

For our children,
the road to happiness and success
is usually paved by
our example

It would be wonderful to land a good job at one of these schools, but for now I am enjoying the variety and the experience.

I am open to opportunities and will rise to the challenges presented to me. I will surpass expectations and strive to be an asset to anyone who calls upon me.

youth

Lately I've been lucky enough to be working with young kids in schools.

Grade two classes and kindergarten kids have something that most of us seem to lose somewhere along the way. It's promise. Promise of potential.

The future is unwritten for them, and the potential limitless.
As time passes for us, we become who we are. Our experiences shape us.

For the very young, it is more of a blank slate.

I love the opportunity to be encouraging and patient. I am honoured to be able to assist and participate in the process of their development. It is a joy, and I know that it's a chance to perhaps occasionally make a small positive impact.

I like who I am as an adult. I am happy with where I have come, and who the person that I am maturing into; and working with children is a beautiful compliment to that in ways.

Sometimes, I remember snapshots from my youth ... good (and not so good), and it inspires me to look for positive opportunities.

I am enjoying working as an Educational Assistant, and I hope that I might be lucky enough to land a permanent position at a nice elementary school not to far in the future.

work

I am working again as an Educational Assistant.

It feels good. It's nice to feel like I am contributing again ...
helpful and productive.

It's on a casual basis right now, but it's a step in the right direction.

Today I worked at a high school, and earlier in the week I was assisting at an Elementary School.

I am confident that at some point in the future, a wonderful opportunity will allow me to secure a more permanent position.

Working makes one appreciate down time more. The evenings and weekends become a time to recharge and relax. It puts things back into balance. We appreciate leisure time more when we work.

Also - tomorrow I will be shadowing a Dee Jay at an Ottawa music service ... he will school me in the ins and outs of their way of providing recorded music as I prepare to join them to play on Saturday nights.

I am looking forward to Dee Jaying again ... it's something I am good at, and enjoy ...
it feels good to be able to provide quality entertainment at important events such as weddings.

It will be a good opportunity to get to know the city better, and experience new adventures as well.

Things are falling into place...

patience

If there was one quality that I'd have to say was worth working on for most of us, it would be patience.

Every day there seem to opportunities where we need to just take a deep breath, smile and focus on relaxing.

In line at the grocery store, stuck in stop and crawl traffic, or in dealing with people who are oppositional and rude ... there is no point in letting yourself get stressed out - all that can do is make things worse ...

I remain between jobs ... but will continue to be optimistic.
I could focus on the negative parts of this,
but know that this would not help.
Somewhere out there is meaningful work for me.

It will all fall into place : )

in between jobs

Job hunting here is like anywhere else in many respects. It takes patience, perseverance and a positive can - do attitude. It's a rough time to be looking for a job, with unemployment high and the the economy in recession mode. It can be hard to remain optimistic.

I know I have a lot to offer. Many of my former co-workers and employers have let me know that I have talents and can accomplish many good things. Any employer will be lucky to have me.

While looking for employment your self esteem can often take a bit of a beating. If you focus on all the positions you are not qualified for, it can be pretty discouraging. It's important to remember your talents.

My communication skills, experience with information technology and positive attitude are qualities can be valuable in many jobs. My reliability, patience and creativity make me an asset as a co-worker and an asset in the workplace.

The glowing comments in the references I have show that I am well worth hiring. I know that often finding the right job involves timing, luck or knowing someone.

I look forward to be an active member of the work force again soon. It won't be long before I can feel satisfaction from a job well done, taking pride in my contributions, being successful and feeling more productive.

I know it won't be long ... good things are right around the corner.