opportunity

This week, the principal of the school that I have been working at on a temporary basis asked to see me in her office.

She told me that the school wanted to have me there for the balance of the year ... she'd had a lot of positive feedback, and hoped I could join the staff until the end of June.

This really made my day. I have been hopping around here and there ... substituting as an Educational Assistant for about a year now, and this was nice. This school has an awesome administration, excellent caring talented teachers, and wonderful kids. I love this school.

The class I work with is a great group of five / sixes. I spend much of my time with one student, but also assist with the rest of the class when possible.

I remember when I was that young ... I remember feeling lost, unsure ... confused and unfocussed. I remember - and that helps me a lot in my job.

These kids are at a wonderful age. They are exploring communication and relationships, learning and growing, and open in many ways to improving aspects of who they are.

This is a golden opportunity. Every day, I see little windows where I can help them in their journey. They are receptive and I will not let this chance go by.

Wherever possible I share as many positive aspects of interactions as possible. I often remind them that we are all brothers and sisters here ... we are all family. Treat each other with respect and consideration. When people see that you are caring and respectful, they respect you.

The class is a family ... part of a bigger family - the school; which is part of a larger family - the community; and the community is part of a bigger family - Ontario ... Canada ... The World ...

We are all brothers and sisters.

I hope that a little bit of some of the things I say get absorbed here and there. Occasionally I get little glimpses that they are listening.

It's really a beautiful, joyful experience ... like watering a garden, or adding your spices to a Sunday Morning omelette.

I love these kids, and see the potential in them ... they are the future, and are growing into their own strengths and knowledge. I will help them and care for them ... it is a wonderful thing.

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.

living wisely and well

When I left my job in Winnipeg a year ago, I knew I was taking a chance.

I had secure job at a nice school, with great staff and benefits. It was comfortable ... predictable and I was grateful to have the position. Yet, I left that behind and took a chance on essentially starting at the bottom rung of the ladder here in Ottawa.

Here I am today, working as a substitute Educational Assistant ... hoping at some point to get hired full time at a nice school.

Working as a substitute E A has it's good points - there is variety: going from school to school, I get to meet a lot of people and find out what many of the schools are like. I don't mind have days that I don't work: we don't really need the money, and on those days there are other things I can do around the house to stay productive. One of the things I love about visiting new schools is discovering other educators who are passionate about doing good things.

Recently in a staff room, I came across a poster
that I though was worth sharing -

21 Suggestions for Living Wisely and Well

1. Teach by example.
2. Bless every day with a generous act.
3. Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them.
4. Do something every day that maintains good health.
5. Take family vacations whether you can afford them or not.
6. Stand up for your principles even if you stand alone.
7. Judge your success by the degree that you’re enjoying peace, health and love.
8. Be there when people need you.
9. Be devoted to your spouse and dedicated to your children.
10. Be of service to your community and your country.
11. Have courage when things go wrong.
12. Tell the truth.
13. Maintain your resources wisely.
14. Be satisfied, don’t grumble.
15. Don’t overlook life’s small joys while searching for big ones.
16. Discover the power of prayer.
17. Discover the power of forgiveness.
18. Love people more than things.
19. Look for the good.
20. Search for the truth.
21. Hope for the best.

By: H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

I love seeing good people do good things. The world is full of them,
and thank goodness ... People who care, who are nurturing, intelligent and positive. I am drawn to them, and look for opportunities to learn from them. I strive to be one of them wherever possible, and know that character and attitude are far more important than homework and assignments.

I really enjoy some of the people I have been working with lately ...
wonderful staff and great children. I sometime feel like I might have the best job in the world.

There are usually hidden opportunities in change. Leaving comfort and predictability might be difficult, but the rewards are often wonderful ...

public school

One of the hats I've worn over the past twenty years has been as an Educational Assistant at various schools. I have worked with a wide range of students, from kindergarten to Grade 12, and enjoy working in schools. I have been lucky enough to work with many talented, caring teachers, and think it's wonderful that there are so many teachers working so hard to help young people grow and learn.

Today was spent mainly with grade one students for me, and it was wonderful. At this grade level there is much music and smiles, play and joy, learning and growth. For much of my career, I have enjoyed working with older students, and to rediscover the joy of the younger grades is wonderful.

I love how the younger kids are so filled with happiness and energy. It inspires me to see wonderful teachers leading them into knowledge, growth and being better citizens.

I remember how difficult the younger years were when I was a student. It wasn't until high school that Í found any real friends or enjoyable activities. Most of my earlier years were filled with less than fond memories. I hope that I can help here and there. I hope that I can be an advocate and a role model.

It's nice to be doing such important work, and enjoying what you do.

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.

find a sense of purpose

This may be my biggest challenge presently.

Yes - I have helped to provide a clean home ...
Yes - I am supportive of my partner ...
Yes - I actively search for employment opportunities ...
Yet, I know that the possibilities to contribute to society more are boundless.

I am not just looking for a job, I am looking for the opportunity to do something really well.
To take pride and sparkle with enthusiasm.
To be active, energetic and productive.

Passion in life comes from a sense of purpose.

I look forward to the opportunity to enjoy the vitality of
the working world again soon.

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.