It is the start of a new year, and I have been thinking about habits and goals that I want to see myself accomplish this year. I started habit tracking last year, and I have been exercising at the gym for 30 minutes a day, reading for at least 20 minutes a day, and doing a Duolingo Spanish lesson each day. These seem like basic habits, but they have helped me become a healthier and happier version of myself which is the ultimate goal.
I started habit tracking last year, and I had an admin who was our advisor during that year. This advisor was and continues to be a kind person whom I look up to. She is caring, intelligent, and thoughtful, and she made me want to become better throughout every interaction I had with her. Sometimes, we cross paths with a person who just makes us want to do better, and she was that person for me. She handled all situations with professionalism and grace, and she showed up for me on multiple occasions.
Going above and beyond
If I was having a rough day after work, she would try to find me in the hallway and check on me. One Friday after work, she knew I was going through something, and instead of just moving on to the next thing on her to do list, she got in her car on a Friday afternoon as she was leaving work, and she called me to check on me and make sure I was okay.
When I found out my grandpa was in the hospital, she came to me and asked me what was wrong. She never made me feel embarrassed about what I was going through or how I was feeling.
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Earlier in November, I found out that she was being assigned to a different school for the rest of the year. I read the email and instantly had to hold back tears. Once I finished teaching, I ran downstairs to my friend’s classroom, opened the door, and just started to cry. I had no words for a minute, and, thankfully, my friend understood how I was feeling and comforted me.
She tried to find this advisor in the hallway, but I decided to just let my advisor know how I felt through text and left for the day. I knew that I would not be able to have a conversation in person without tears flowing. I still miss her kindness and positivity every single day.
Long lasting impact
When I think about my future in education, I want to be more like this advisor. She went above and beyond on many occasions, and I want to be able to pause and truly be present in what other individuals need at that moment.
In order to take care of others and serve others well, I need to take care of myself first. She still keeps in touch with me, and she is someone that I look up to because of the way that she genuinely cared about others.
This advisor never had to take time out of her day to check on me, and I guarantee she had a million other things to do, but she always took the time to make sure I was okay. She didn’t have to, but she chose to.
She understood the power of positive relationships within a school building, and the impact that she has made will remain with me throughout the rest of my career. Now, that is a legacy to leave behind.
About Susan Jachymiak
Ms. Jachymiak is a 3rd year teacher currently teaching 6th grade math. She is passionate about growth mindset and helping students achieve their full potential. She is also passionate about supporting new teachers and building a strong and uplifting Professional Learning Network.
