A Little Dose of Reality, A Minor Setback, Keep Looking Ahead

Today is the day that summer does officially end for me as I am returning to my college courses starting today.  The real topic of this particular blog post, however, is not about me starting another year of college courses.  Today's topic is about my employment.  As I have talked about in my last couple of blog posts, I worked this summer for the Brainerd School District with the Fun-N-Friends program.  By far the best decision I have made in a very long time.  As I have mentioned before as well, my time with Fun-N-Friends is not over.  Instead, it is on hold for now.

Recently, I applied for a position with the Brainerd School District as a Behavior Management Specialist.  I was granted an interview, which I had this past Monday.  I was very excited about this interview and confident that I carried the skill set that would have been necessary to lead to a job offer.  Unfortunately, I was not offered the position.  There were so many positives that would have come for me by landing that job and that is why I was extremely hopeful on getting it.  I am not going to lie here, I was very upset when I received the news that I was not going to get it.  This was somewhat of a new situation for me as I have been lucky to have a high level of success when interviewing.  I also felt this position that I was going for was kind of that type of position that I had been working hard for many years for.  I also was a bit frustrated with myself for not getting the job as I tend to be hard on myself when a goal is not reached.  This means that I will be returning to Onamia for the 2015-2016 school year at Mille Lacs Academy School.

Yesterday, I met with the new principal of Mille Lacs Academy School.  It was a very good conversation.  I was honest about my opportunity that I attempted to get and I also informed her that even though I was disappointed about not getting that opportunity with Brainerd, I was coming into the school year more re-energized than I may have ever been since I began my journey with Mille Lacs Academy School.

The message that I want to send in this blog post is that, despite being knocked down by not getting the position I was hoping for with Brainerd Schools, my summer was still fantastic.  I learned a lot about myself this summer.  I also met some very good people, and even some great people this summer, which made a permanent positive impact on me.  That is something that I will not forget.  I also am more healthy after this past summer and that has set my sights on continuing to improve my personal goal of being more healthy and more active.  I will continue to pursue opportunities that come my way, and I will continue to help and work at Fun-N-Friends during my breaks and off days from Onamia.

#lookforwardstaypositive

Tour Of The Big City

This summer has kept me busy.  I chose to end my school year job on June 15th and start my summer job full-time on June 16th. Everyone at my Onamia school site would question why I am not taking any time off between jobs and there are a couple of answers to that question.

First, I would like to think that I am a hard worker.  The other night at a staff meeting I attended for my summer job at Fun-N-Friends, we were asked the question of whether or not we are giving 100% at our job.  The question appeared to shock all those in attendance, including me.  I wanted to speak up right away and admit that I do give 100 percent when I am at my job, but I also don't want to appear arrogant.  So I do work hard and give 100 percent, because quality should be uncompromising.  

Second, I didn't take time off in-between jobs because of the fact that I care.  Despite Brainerd Schools and Fun-N-Friends being a new summer experience, I care a lot about being accepted by my co-workers, earning respect from the children, and being a strong part of the team.  That is how I felt in the beginning of this new adventure back in June, but now that I have been there for two months and know the people that I work with and how connected I feel, my care for the program and the people have gone through the roof.  

This summer with my job at Fun-N-Friends, I have been lucky enough to be afforded the opportunity to go on many outings in the Brainerd area.  The outings have been a solid contributing reason for the high number of steps on my pedometer.  I went to the Brainerd Fire Station twice in one day to pack on miles.  I was able to walk children to the Brainerd Public Library once a week for the library's story time.  I also was able to go to the Wildlife Safari Zoo that I have not been at before.  Today was the second time that our program went to Jack's House for bowling.  I also got to be part of an outing that went to the Crow Wing County Fair and also to the movies and pizza lunch at Rafferty's. 

As you can see, I have been on a tour of Brainerd this summer.  It has been a lot of fun and with some great people. If this summer has taught me anything, or at least reminded me of something, it's that things are so much better when you care.  

#summerregionaltour