Messages About Money

 Before my fifth birthday, my two younger brothers, myself, and my mom were on our own to survive the world. My father wasn't around much, and the divorce only finalized his separation. I never saw him again. My mom never received child support and, at twenty-four years of age, found herself financially insecure with only a high school education and three young kids to support. 

Needless to say, the lack of financial security greatly impacted my life and my mindset. I vividly remember my mom being severely stressed and emotional about the lack of money. We were on public assistance, and I learned early on not to mention "welfare" because of the fear of what other people would think. Our shopping entailed going to a second-hand store to pick out a few clothes and occasionally going to K-Mart to put school clothes on layaway. Eating oatmeal in the morning and Campbell's soup, sandwiches, and canned peaches for lunch and dinner was common. I don't remember ever going to bed hungry. When it came to money, we were poor- officially living in poverty. The funny thing, though, is that I never felt poor. I didn't even realize that my family was "poor" until I got much older. I knew that my friends had nice houses and things and talked about vacations to Disneyland. My vocabulary, like rent, landlord, deposit, and eviction, was foreign to my friends. It was a blessing that for most of my childhood that I remember, we lived in only a few places and only had to move with a two-week notice when the landlords decided to sell their property. 

I began babysitting when I was around ten and officially when I was fourteen, but I remember doing odds-and-end jobs like picking cherries, string beans, and a newspaper flyer route. My mom was always working right beside us, and we learned the value of hard work. 

By the time I was a sixth grader, my mom had finished her schooling and secured a job as a school bus driver. As a bus driver, she was able to have the same schedule as we did regarding holidays, but she always had a second job and a side hustle. 

When I began working as a teenager, it was the first time in my life that I had money to buy clothes at the mall. Some of my money went to the family to help pay for bills, but my mom tried hard to give me some independence. There was only one event that was somewhat "traumatizing" for me. My graduating class planned on a Heritage Tours trip back East. We were all extremely excited! For the first time in my life, I would travel to Washington D.C., New York, and many other sites. I don't remember the final cost. I do remember needing a $300 downpayment and working really hard to earn that amount of money. That amount of money was a lot back then. Right before needing to turn in my payment, my mom asked to use that $300 for bills. I was crushed! Although I handed it over to her, I remember sobbing for days. I had sacrificed so much! I wasn't getting any senior pictures or anything for graduation like my friends. There were other sacrifices as well. The only thing that I wanted was to go on this one trip. I wasn't planning on going to college because I could not afford it financially. 

To make a long story short, I was able to go on that life-changing trip and go to college because I received a small scholarship and a PELL grant. I'm writing about family money because I'm reflecting on my relationship with money and evaluating where I am today by standing in my truth. This is going to take more than one blog post!

A message and mindset that I learned or developed about money was that I was not worthy of more. I've had the limiting belief that despite learning to work hard, I would never feel financially secure. After all, my career ended up being a teacher. Teachers don't make a competitive salary! I've spent $1,000's of dollars on things for school. I have nothing to show for 30+ years of working other than a lot of "stuff" I'm now giving away. I don't have regrets other than I wish I had been more educated about financial literacy. There is friction and tug and pull as I'm reflecting on finances. I've gladly given to "my kids," and I will still give away. I've always felt I was given God-given talents and that teaching was a calling. My rewards have come in ways that money cannot buy! However, I still recognize that my self-worth has affected my net worth. Suze Orman said, "I am a financial planner, not a psychiatrist, but I do know that your net worth will rise to meet your self-worth only if your self-worth rises to accept what can be yours."

Here, I sit a handful of years away from retirement, admittedly worried about my financial future. Because of President Trump's administration policies, my 401k has tanked. I have a pension and some money saved, but far less than I need. I'm completely out of debt except for my mortgage. That was a recent and huge achievement! But I have dreams of building an addition to my house so that I can take care of myself as I age. It is so EXPENSIVE! Trump's tariff plans are sure to make prices go even higher. I'm trying to change my mindset and beliefs. I am worthy of being financially secure! I am deserving. I have a dream AND a plan of action. I have some side hustle opportunities that will allow my dream to come true. It will take a lot of WORK! But I can do it! I WILL find a way!

Memento Mori

 "It is not death that a man should fear, but rather he should fear never beginning to live." Marcus Aurelius

When I taught sixth grade, I was in an elementary school setting, but my team departmentalized to prepare our kids for middle school. I had the privilege of teaching social studies! Learning came to life when I taught the kids about the ancient Greeks and Romans using a class simulation. I was introduced to the word Areté, loosely translated, means excellence. That was my introduction to the ancient Stoic philosophers, and I've been intrigued ever since. (Although I will be the first to admit that I haven't been the best role model for living the principles of the ancient Stoics.)

Memento Mori, a powerful Latin phrase meaning "remember that you must die," is an urgent call to live with purpose and intention. It's an invitation to embrace the responsibility of living meaningfully. The idea that life is short and that you're going to die is only depressing if you think about it wrong. It should give you a sense of priority if you think about it correctly. It should give you a sense of purpose and what you're trying to accomplish while on Earth.

For educators, Memento Mori takes on a compelling significance. Influential educators have the power to ignite passion in the hearts and minds of students, shape values, and inspire generations far beyond their lifetimes. We are in the life-changing business! Memento Mori doesn't provoke fear but empowers individuals to focus on what truly matters. Educators infused with this awareness prioritize transformative educational experiences that evoke curiosity. The urgency to nurture and invest in young minds becomes vital. Getting caught up in routines and menial concerns can be all too easy in the daily hustle of teaching. However, Memento Mori encourages educators to reflect on their allocation of time and energy, pressing them to connect with students on a deeper level. Every interaction can be an opportunity for encouragement and inspiration, crafting a legacy that shapes the fabric of future generations.

Grappling with the inevitability of death, as the ancient Stoics did, fosters gratitude and resilience. When we understand that life is precious, we are more inclined to seize the day and appreciate the opportunity for growth and discovery. Instead of being overwhelmed by challenges, we can navigate through adversity with a growth mindset. The ancient Stoics- Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius- offered timeless wisdom that resonates deeply with educators today. By modeling perseverance, teachers do not just prepare students for academic success; they equip them with essential life skills that will support them throughout their journeys.

The legacy that educators leave is not confined to the subjects they teach; it is ultimately defined by the values they inspire in their students. Marcus Aurelius urges us, "Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one." This powerful statement challenges educators: Instead of merely instructing on ideal behaviors, they must embody the qualities they seek to instill—integrity, kindness, and an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Students are keen observers, and through their teachers' examples, they learn invaluable life lessons that transcend the academic realm.

Embrace Digital Transformation

 Back in 2010, I found that school (my instruction) was becoming increasingly irrelevant to my students who were beginning to come to my classroom with more tech-saviness. Something had to change, and that change was me. In my quest, I stumbled upon an article from Edutopia that mentioned Edmodo. The rest, as they say, is history. Although Edmodo no longer exists, it completely changed my life as an educator. It was often referred to as the “Facebook” for students and educators. I was able to connect my class with students and teachers around the world, and we collaborated on many projects. I have many stories and experiences that I could share. One door that opened for me as a teacher was connecting with other educators and going down the rabbit hole of digital tools to use in the classroom. Although I’d never considered myself particularly tech-savvy, I certainly learned a lot that transformed my teaching practices. 

Luckily for me, those years of integrating digital tools into the curriculum paid off when educators were forced to pivot overnight to a Zoom classroom during the Covid pandemic. As an instructional coach, I wasn’t caught flat-footed and unprepared. I was able to help our teachers adapt and learn quickly how to navigate this new frontier. It was a double blessing that before the pandemic, I had been assisting teachers in elevating their instruction by learning some digital tools to solve real-world classroom challenges. Many were used to and had trained their students to use online platforms to create, complete, and submit their work. Students were used to creating videos, audio recordings, and slides. During the shutdown, learning kept happening. We had to adapt and make adjustments, but we learned together.

Keeping up-to-date on all the digital tools available to educators is daunting and maybe impossible. I have learned over the years that tools come and go. They change constantly, so keeping track of the upgrades is challenging. And many tools that start off free quickly have a price after becoming popular. The development of AI is an interesting phenomenon in education. Considering that AI technology is in its infancy, the benefits to educators most likely haven’t even been fully imagined yet. However, it is essential for educators, newbies, and veterans to keep learning about this and other technologies. 

Learning is about being intentional and growing each day. Small, baby steps forward are still steps forward. Learning is a journey, not a destination. Those tiny bits of learning compound over time. The commitment you make to yourself to invest your time and energy into learning will pay off. The wisdom that you acquire stays with you forever. 

Don’t allow yourself to make excuses. Technology doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Learn one thing and learn it well. Use it in the classroom. Ask, “How can I use this tool to make learning more impactful?” Be curious! Explore how you can make learning more relevant. What can you do with a digital tool that you cannot do in a traditional brick-and-mortar classroom? Be creative! Collaborate- especially with students. As you gain confidence, expand your repertoire.

Potholes in Your Path

Potholes are a common road hazard, and their formation can be attributed to several factors related to weather conditions, materials, and road maintenance. We also encounter potholes in our journey through life. These seeming setbacks can lead us to question our value and worth. We often seek validation from others through praise, titles, positions, and other accolades. But you shouldn't seek out the praise of others to determine your worth. Everything changes when you realize you are enough, just as you are. You start living in confidence. People who have strong self-worth don't need constant reassurance. They understand that not everyone will see their value, and that's okay. They don't take rejection personally. 

Rejection can be the most painful experience a person can endure. It can feel like the door is slammed in your face. Some people face this adversity by quitting, while others stay in unhealthy situations, hoping to improve and earn the right to love and acceptance. Some give up on their dreams, stay stuck in the past, and lose their desire to take risks. Instead of building resilience, they fail to dig deeper, reassess, and ask better questions.      Rejection can cause people to quit themselves and spiral into depression and an existence void of hope and optimism.

But you're not a quitter! You must love yourself to look in the mirror and say, "I am enough!" Stand tall in your truth and believe what you say, even when others doubt your abilities. History is filled with examples of successful people who were repeatedly rejected. However, these successful people became successful because they believed in themselves. For them, each "no" was not a conclusion but rather a stepping stone that guided them toward better opportunities. 

Instead of viewing rejection as a personal attack on your self-worth, view rejection as a redirection. It's life's way of pushing you towards something better, something that aligns with your purpose and is meant for you in ways you may not understand. Do not take it personally, believing you're not worthy, and allow that disappointment to replay and ruminate in your mind.

Rejection is not about loss. It's about guidance. It's a sign that the path that you were on is not the one for you to follow. It's a lesson that what you thought was best for you may not have been in your best interest. Shift your perspective. See the potholes and the challenges throughout our journey as blessings in disguise. Every door that closes is a protection from something not meant for you. It's life clearing the way and making space for something greater. What is truly yours will come to you. Be prepared for the opportunity.

Lifelong Learning

 

Leonardo da Vinci, born in 1452 in Vinci, Italy, is one of history's most extraordinary figures. He is known not only for his unparalleled artistic genius but also for his unwavering thirst for knowledge. His relentless desire to learn shaped not only his own life but also the trajectory of art and science during the Renaissance and beyond.

From an early age, Leonardo was captivated by the world around him. His insatiable curiosity drove him to question established norms, and he sought a profound understanding of nature, human anatomy, and the principles governing physical phenomena. At a time when the Renaissance celebrated artistic achievement, Leonardo uniquely positioned himself at the confluence of art and science, always aware that these two domains were intricately intertwined.

One of the most significant advantages of da Vinci's relentless pursuit of knowledge was his unparalleled capacity for innovation. His iconic masterpieces, such as the “Mona Lisa” and “The Last Supper,” embody aesthetic brilliance and introduce groundbreaking techniques in composition and perspective.

Leonardo’s inquisitiveness extended into engineering and invention, and his visions often outstripped the capabilities of his time. His designs for flying machines, armored vehicles, and even scuba gear reveal a visionary mind that was unafraid to dream big. Although many of these inventions were never realized during his lifetime, they laid the foundation for future technological breakthroughs.

Leonardo da Vinci's extraordinary desire to learn resulted in profound contributions across multiple disciplines, underscoring the critical importance of curiosity, observation, and interdisciplinary exploration. His legacy persists through his breathtaking artworks and the principles of inquiry he championed, which continue to inspire artists, scientists, and intellectuals today.

The difference between an average and extraordinary person is the hunger to learn, the desire to grow, and the discipline to educate yourself. Make a commitment to pour into yourself every day. Feed your mind with books, podcasts, online courses, and the study of successful people. Don't dare use the excuse of not having time! If you have time to scroll through social media, watch TV, or gossip, you have time to feed and nourish your mind so that you can grow. The moment you stop learning is the moment you stop growing, and when you stop growing, you stop living to your fullest potential.

Wake up every morning with an intention to learn something new. Stretch your mind. Expose yourself to new thoughts and perspectives. Make self-improvement a priority and a non-negotiable. Small improvements over time compound. The more you invest in yourself now, the more life will reward you in ways you can't imagine. The wisdom that you acquire now stays with you forever. Be curious! Expand your thinking! Ask, "What else is possible?" Every great achievement starts with learning a new skill or transforming a mindset. Learn, grow, evolve. Discipline and a little effort every day will make you unstoppable! 

Let Your Personal Mission Statement Be Your Guide

The primary function of a lighthouse is to emit light from a significant height so that it can be seen many miles away. It guides sailors to shore and warns of dangerous coastlines and reefs. Like fog, the lighthouse also has fog horns or bells in conditions of low visibility.

A personal mission statement is like a lighthouse—a beacon of light that helps educators navigate the many challenges that are sure to come during their careers. It can clarify one's purpose and shape how one approaches instruction, leadership, and mentoring the next generation. 

How do you write a personal mission statement? Where do you start?

Begin with identifying your core values. Here is a list of common core values from Brene'Brown 

Identify the three values that matter most to you. This is tough, but you can start by narrowing your choices to 15.

Write down your three core values and explain why they are significant. 

Now, ask yourself, "What drives me?" "What are my interests- passions?" "What gets me fired up in the morning?" Write down an experience or two that really ignited your passion for education. Consider different subjects, age groups, positions, and people you've served. 

Next, consider your long-term goals. Where do you see yourself in five, ten, or even twenty years? Your mission statement should align with these aspirations. For example, if one of your goals is to create a culture where kids are creative and critical thinkers, this goal should be part of your mission statement.

It's time to DRAFT a personal mission statement. Use the insights from the previous steps to write a concise paragraph. Try using a simple template like the following;

"I aim [primary goal] by [your plan for how to achieve your goal] while embodying [your three core values]."

Seek feedback and remain open to revising your mission statement. Revisit it often and make necessary adjustments as you learn, gain more experience, and reflect on your practices. Think of it as a living document that will evolve over time.

Dr. Stephen Covey said, "Begin with the end in mind." You can effectively prioritize decisions by aligning your mission with your values and goals. As you embrace your journey, remember that your mission statement is not just a reflection of your aspirations but a guiding compass for inspiring and empowering others. 

In the words of Maya Angelou, "I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver." By crafting a meaningful personal mission statement, you gift your goals and values and the rich tapestry of knowledge and inspiration to future generations who will carry forward the legacy you leave behind.

6-Word Memoir

 

Image shared on Twitter/X Alexis Wilk

Legend has it that Ernest Hemingway accepted the challenge of writing a story using only six words. He wrote, “For sale: baby shoes, never worn.” Since then, language arts teachers have used Hemingway’s example for writing with clarity and conciseness. Thousands of participants have written their own stories, legacies, and leadership philosophies with the same six-word structure. Larry Smith tweaked this challenge to have his community write six words about their life. He called them Six-Word Memoirs. Others have stretched this task to one sentence, such as this one about President Lincoln. “He preserved the Union and freed the slaves.” Every January, many people post their One Word on social media and further explain why that one word (sometimes up to three) will help them focus for the upcoming year. All of these tasks are similar in that they challenge the author to succinctly summarize their values, philosophy, life experience, aspirations, or legacy in only a few words.  

The challenge of reducing a life’s story into a few words requires self-awareness, reflection, and clarity. What are the person’s core values, beliefs, and pivotal experiences? This practice often requires deep introspection. The writer is forced to distill complex thoughts into a few powerful words, frequently conveying deep emotion and insight.  It also challenges the author to be creative and choose words with maximum impact and resonance. Many of these brief statements have universal appeal, allowing others to connect and relate to the sentiments expressed because of humor or the emotional response elicited. 

How do you write a Six-Word Memoir?

1. Start with writing forty words about your life. Include moments that have defined or changed you. Focus on central themes, values, or emotions. 

2. Use some of those forty words to narrow your story to twenty words. Choose impactful words that carry weight and evoke strong imagery or emotion.

3. Finally, narrow down your story to six words. Make sure that each word contributes to the overall message you want to convey. Aim to tell the story with simplicity.

Overall, this exercise is a fun challenge. However, educators at any stage of their career can benefit from crafting their own six-word memoir. It will succinctly summarize their core teaching philosophy and the impact that they want to have on the students and adults they serve. A well-crafted memoir can serve as a motivational guiding statement, bridging generations and making the educator’s influence accessible and enduring. It can encapsulate key teachings, principles, or lessons the educator aims to impart to students, new teachers, and others. A six-word memoir can communicate a leader’s philosophy and vision for the future and inspire future generations. It can also serve as a visual reminder to the author about their commitment to serve.

Examples of 6-Word Memoirs