Several of the quotes that I really liked from the book are: "You only need one person to believe in you to succeed. It's a lot easier if that person is you". "Unleashing true potential begins by removing the labels that hold children hostage". "Approach each situation with an understanding that at the heart of every problem is a conversation to be had". And finally, "Everyone has a savior, but it isn't always going to be you...but it doesn't give you an excuse not to try".
The book was inspiring and reflective. It gave me a chance to look at the culture of our school and the chance to evaluate myself and see how I am improving the culture at Vantage Career Center. First of all, I would like to say that as I reflected on our culture, I was pretty happy with what I observe around here everyday. The culture that Mr. Casas is trying to get the schools to buy into, is that every student should feel important. To make every student feel that their voice is heard and that they are respected. We should make our students feel that they are learning the skills to make them successful in life. At the same time, we also hold our students to a higher standard. We let them know that we expect their best at all times.
I have mentioned before in my blogs how awesome our staff is and how much I appreciate the work they do around here. As I read this book and listened to Mr. Casas suggestions, I already see so many of the things he recommends being done around Vantage. I see so many of our staff talking privately to a student because that student is having a bad day. I notice our staff laughing and joking with students at lunch time. I have overheard our staff asking about a sick parent or grandparent and showing the student compassion and empathy. I also see our teachers and administration holding our students to a higher standard. Our students know to take their hats off immediately when they enter the building or push their chairs in after eating lunch. When guests are in the building, the students greet them a smile or handshake. These aren't just my observations but also comments that our graduates have left behind. They mention that they were always treated like an adult. That they were listened to and taken seriously.
With all that said, I realize that we are not perfect. I realize that there are other ways we can improve and that some suggestions can be implemented with a little work. I realize that Vantage students are deserving of our most courteous and attentive treatment, no matter what kind of day we are having. I realize that Vantage students are people who bring us their needs - it is our privilege to help fulfill those needs. And I know that the Vantage students are the most important people on our campus, they are not an interruption - they are the purpose.
I can't help but think about the students that left here early or didn't come back their final year. Or the students who were not greeted in the morning or I missed saying happy birthday to them. I know they are out there and I know they exist. Saying that I have over 400 students to know and take care of is only an excuse. I only hope those students have been successful after they left Vantage. I hope to get to know each Junior better than I do now and to send off the Seniors with the knowledge that they were cared about and prayed for. I look forward to the incoming students next year and hope to make a difference in their lives, as I know all the staff here at Vantage will. We only see these students for a short time, two years at the most, but we make an impact either way. Our impact is either positive or negative. I truly believe with all my heart that the entire staff here at Vantage tries their hardest to make that impact positive.
I get asked a lot about how many years I have left here at Vantage. Hopefully it's not because I am looking really old or they want me to go (LOL. Just kidding). However, I do reflect on that question and I usually respond, "As long as I am making an impact with these students, I think I will stick it out". I feel I have the greatest job in the world just being around these students everyday. I also believe that is how our teachers and administrators feel. We have a unique opportunity here, we are "Molders of Dreams". I want to personally thank each and every parent for allowing your son or daughter to be a part of this great big family. Thank you!
