As I continue my series on the book "Callings" by Gregg Levoy, I will take a quote from that book that has special meaning today. He states, "Life changes. By trying to shelter ourselves from change, we isolate ourselves from living." Any time we have to make a change in life or are faced with a change in something we are used to, it is difficult. It is difficult for many reasons. We can easily find ourselves comfortable in our work situation or in a life situation and we tend to stay there. We contemplate making a change but yet we aren't quite sure of what the outcome will be. We fear losing our everyday routine and everything that comes with it. However, when we do that, we do isolate ourselves from really living. We miss out on opportunities that await us and challenges that will make us grow and find out who we really are.
As many of you may know, I was an automotive engineer for over 15 years. I enjoyed my job tremendously and was moving up the "corporate ladder". I had to travel a lot in this position and that made me realize I was missing out on raising my children and being around them for their school activities. I had to make a decision to change my entire career and leave something that I was very familiar with and comfortable with. However, by following my calling, I was led to become a school counselor here at Vantage Career Center. I can tell you right now, that was the best decision of my life and one I will never regret.
However, this blog isn't about me today. I want to talk a little about Alaina Ellis, our high school secretary. Alaina was faced with an opportunity that would force her to leave a place she loves to work at and has found comfort in her job. She absolutely loves the students and does whatever she can to help them. Alaina is no pushover though. I have to laugh at some of the times I have been up in the front office and Alaina is being very strict with a student and not really buying any of their excuses. She does this because she knows the student can do better and she wants the best for them. I don't have enough space in this blog to write about all the help she gives me on a daily basis. The kindness, the extra effort and going above and beyond her job description just to make our school better. I know Mr. Darrell Miller, Mr. Winans and Mrs. Gillett would all say the same thing, she makes their job a lot easier.
Alaina will be leaving us this coming Tuesday. She has a great opportunity to work alongside her husband and spending even more time with her family. This was not an easy decision for Alaina because of her love for the staff and students here at Vantage. However, through a lot of prayers and discussion with family, she has decided to make that change and not isolate herself from living. We can all learn from Alaina and others who have ventured off to try something scary or different. If I could say one thing to our students, that would be to never fear change. Change is difficult but it can open up so many doors for you and help you to really start living.
In closing, thank you Alaina for all you do. Thank you for the support and the love you showed our students. Finally, thank you for making my job so much easier and being able to trust you with so many confidential things we deal with. I will miss saying good morning as I walk in everyday. Take care,
