With discomfort comes growth...

Once again, my professional mantra has steered me in the best direction. 

For the past two years, I had no idea what Vanguard was about, other than the fact that all of the people in the photos tagged #SBVanguard seemed happy. I wondered occasionally what might be causing the smile, and I pondered if I was willing or able to join them one day. Luckily, Amy W. and Krystal W. encouraged me to apply. 

Even with their encouragement, and the seemingly happy people in the photos, I still questioned the move. However, I was considering it. I was considering it in a year that, on paper, seems completely overwhelming. I have taken on new roles, have new teammates, new curriculum, among other things. For these reasons, applying for Vanguard made me a little apprehensive. I considered putting it off until next year. I thought about all of the reasons that I should not apply. I noticed that there were multiple steps to the application, that there was a deadline to apply, and it was not that far away. I considered all of the obligations I had already agreed to, and thought it not wise to take a new thing on. Especially something so vaguely described.

Then, my mantra popped up at the end of my brainstorm. All of the things that were dissuading me to apply were causing a sense of discomfort that registered. I am learning to turn into the discomfort instead of running away from it. I decided to do it. I completed the application and went to the interview. Then, I was accepted! I was excited, but still unclear about what to expect and that was okay. I knew I would grow but I did not know how.

Today, I came to realize that I still don’t know what I’ve gotten myself into. I am certain, however, that this was the right move. I look around the room at strong, yet friendly teachers. I see a cohort forming and I am excited about the possibilities. I am excited about the uncertainty of what lies ahead. I am ready to push myself to a productive level of discomfort. I am ready to grow with these people. Let’s do this, SBVanguard (and go team ... )