WELCOME TO I BELIEVE IN YOU!
Like the balloons on this page, it has taken me a couple of years to float back into a new and much different routine after leaving thirty + years as a teacher and a school principal in three states. As a teacher and a school principal my days were long and scheduled.
No mistake, I am loving the opportunities that lay in my path in the autumn of my life and feel blessed. Yet, a compelling urge to shout to the clouds the gems that I learned from the experiences that came my way about what it takes to grow a great kid has become very powerful. The lives of kids depend upon it. Every adult should be aware of what it takes to grow a great kid because it is not always intuitive. The proverbial instructions do not come attached to the umbilical cord.
During my career, I worked in schools that served students and families from communities that were in grave economic need. I also taught and lead schools that were in affluent neighborhoods . . . and many in between. Throughout those years, one theme has always hung true and strong: HIGH EXPECTATIONS MAKE A DIFFERENCE. When we know and show our children that they can be successful, without exception, the results are remarkable. In my new blog that will appear twice weekly, you will discover ideas, suggestions and action steps that adults can take to make a difference in the lives of young people. You can have a powerful impact on the future by starting with our most precious resource, our children.
I hope you will be a regular visitor and perhaps share your stories if you are so inclined. Together, we can build a better world – even if it is just one kid – your kid, your student, a relative, a neighbor – at a time.
“A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove, but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.” ~ anonymous ~
I believe in you too, Trish! Love the new blog. I’ll keep checking back for more of your wisdom 🙂
Trish,
I am excited to see what you have to say in this wonderful new blog. If anyone can speak with authority on what it takes to “grow a great kid”, it’s you!
Susan
Wow, very powerful statement of purpose, Trish. A veteran educator like you has so much to share. Love this idea!
Windy,
Your spirit give me wings. Thanks much for your inpiration. Trish
Diane,
I owe much to your mentorship. Thank you for your very encouraging comments. Trish
Trish,
Congratulations on this inspiring site that you have set up. I love the balloons! I look forward to your writings.
Trish,
Congratulations on having your website up. I love the balloons; they are delightful. I look forward to my inspirations from you!
Thank you for your encouraging comments, Anne. I appreciate you.
Trish
Susan,
Thanks for your kind words. There is much to share about what it takes to support raising happy, well-adjusted and successful citizens. I hope you will enter some of your wise and broad insights from your many experiences with young people along this journey. Appreciate your visit. Trish
I think this is a wonderdully wise topic for a blog. I too have spent the majority of my life at the front of a classroom. A core of my teaching philosophy involved letting a student experience the consequences of his actions. In eduaction and in parenting today that way of thinking seems outdated. I believe a misplaced kindness is behind this, but those parents and coaches and teachers should consider what the consequenes of “no consequences” might be.
Maryann,
Thank you taking time to share valid concerns and wise observations from your broad experiences. Misplaced kindness it most likely is. I agree, we aren’t doing kids any favors by protecting them from the natural and logical consequences of their choices. Building character and strength in our youth takes many forms. I hope you will have time to be a regular visitor and share your views and experiences. Thanks much!
Trish