RELATIONSHIP REFLECTION

Reading this week’s resources has reiterated what I feel and have seen as the most important part of why I am doing what I am doing and what I continue to strive for: relationships.  As I think back to my childhood the memories are full of experiences, but more importantly are the relationships I held with the people I created memories with.  Sure I remember the special event when looking back at pictures but when I really think about what I remember most about childhood is the feelings that came along with the close relationships I held.  This is why I continue to work at relationships with my family, friends, colleagues and families I work with.  Because I know the difference a relationship can make.  I was lucky to grow up in a close family where I felt loved, supported and validated by my parents.  I continue to feel that consistent love and support today.  I have one sister who is 4 years younger than me, and although we had a few rough years growing up (who doesn’t?!)  I consider her my best friend.  Not only are we honest, respectful and loyal but loving, supportive and reciprocal in our relationship.  I have learned so much from her.  In becoming a wife and mother I have learned as much about myself as I did about relationships with others.  My biggest fan and supporter is my other best friend, my husband Tony.  I feel blessed to be able to spend my life with him and through lots of hard work we have the relationship I hoped for.  As a mother of 3 it is very important to me to continue to have a close personal relationship with each of my children individually and accept, love and cheer them on for who they are.  The relationships that are most positive for me personally are those that are consistent, trustworthy, supportive but also respectfully honest.  This leads into my professional life where I consider myself a lifelong learner.  I learn from others and appreciate being able to bounce ideas of others and share knowledge.  I appreciate honesty through respectful and caring interactions.  I realize the importance of cooperation, collaboration and compromise in a true partner relationship.  In my married life and my professional life I have seen the challenges of keeping open communication with others as we work together in diversity.  This may mean different ethnic, family or area cultures as well as different personality and learning styles.  What I continue to see though is, if we go in with an open mind, a positive attitude and a respectful nature we begin to take the steps to developing a positive relationship.  Relationships are the foundation to my professional career as a teacher I develop those relationships with students, family and staff and as a leader I hope to develop those relationships with other professionals in my community as well as policy makers and other leaders in our field.