I wish I knew... Yesterday was the CA FFA State Judging Finals at Cal Poly. This is one of my favorite trips all year, even if it's at Cal Poly (hahaha I kid, I kid- kinda). It is the culmination of a CDE teams season of hard work, dedication and teamwork. It is the final stage of team bonding and "family time". Last year, I had my fist kid ever place in the top 5 and I'm not sure I've ever been more proud of something. The last two years I've had teams in "the hunt", ya know kids that had prepped and been increasingly successful at each field day.
So yesterday, was spent a little different than I had hoped. I woke up at my friends house, got breakfast with Mandy and Jesse, went to watch kids have their steer's hooves trimmed (Thanks Big Jim!) and then helped plant their garden and headed home. Now, this was one of the most relaxed Saturdays that I've had in about 4 months. But honestly, it was kind of lame. While I love seeing friends and helping kids with projects, I would be lying if I didn't say I was completely disappointed I wasn't with my teams in SLO.
My goal since my year of student teaching, is to win a state championship. One of those nice shiny silver bowls that to me says "You are successful. You did it. All your hard work paid off. You accomplished a goal." But how can I do that if I'm not even there? I can't... And neither can my kids...
Is it possible to work years, towards a goal and never reach it? At what point do you give up? Find a new goal, so to speak? I don't want to lower my expectations and goals. Maybe it is my tenacity or stubbornness but I'm not a fan of giving up. But how do I continue to coach teams year after year and not win it? It's like signing up for disappointment willingly each spring.
How do I continue losing at field days without losing passion? I guess forever... But how can I can inspire new kids each year to sign up for hard work, practice and months of dedication as I lose a little bit of passion each season? No idea....
Maybe someday... Maybe we'll win... Maybe I'll have a BA team again... Maybe I won't lose hope... Maybe I'll find success... Maybe not...
As a teacher your success has little to do with your own goals. It's the goals of your students that will become the true measure.
ReplyDeleteSo very true... This year has been a struggle for them to even have enough faith in themselves to make goals... Someday we'll get there... Thanks!
ReplyDeleteBeing a single person department you will find you can't do everything and your goals will shift with different kids and the community. Maybe look at what can benefit the entire community, school or Ag Dept instead of working with 3-4 kids. Why is a state championship so important? Do you know who won the state champions for dairy 5 years ago? Farm records 5 years ago? People forget the awards but kids will always remember classroom activities, field trips and the energy you create for them. Just my 2 cents. :)
ReplyDeleteYeah... It's just been a goal of mine because I view it as part of the whole package. The whole package of being successful... I feel like I'm doing the other stuff, just want this too...
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