Opportunities for change, new challenges, and rewards
I wasn’t going to blog about this until things progressed a bit further, but I feel like I need to; if only for my own sanity.I have been so grateful for the opportunity to have served, and to continue to serve, as the Data Support Specialist at Luxford Elementary. Though they say that they knew they wanted me immediately after interviewing with them, I can’t help but to feel that the administration took a chance on a young kid who’d only been back in town for a month, was living with his grandparents, was making plans to start college, and who’d been away from computers and technology for about two years. As it turns out, my perspective of their risky decision to select me for the position has had a crucial positive impact on my life, and in turn I’ve tried to fulfill the duties of my position to the best of my ability.
I’ve learned a lot over the past year. Previous experiences and knowledge have found ways to come rushing back as I’ve tackled some of the difficult challenges asked of me. Mostly, I’ve gained a lot of my confidence back, something that was allowed to dwindle in my pursuit of what I once thought was a higher calling. There is absolutely no way to measure the value and impact of the return of confidence and self worth, and no way to adequately repay those which aided in that return. I’ve made a lot of progress at Luxford this past year.
Progression, however, often requires difficult changes. Often opportunities arise when one is not truly prepared for them, and decisions to act upon these opportunities must be made. Such an opportunity has presented itself in the form of an administrative position with the Department of Technology for Virginia Beach Public City Schools. Last week, the job posting for the position of Student Information Systems Specialist was brought to my attention. At first I shrugged off the position as not being aligned with my current situation. I had also said I would stay at Luxford for the 2007-08 school year. However, after reading the job requirements a second time, it didn’t seem completely out of reach. Throughout the last week, the applying for the position has been on my mind. I’ve been unable to dismiss the idea.
Today, after preparing the necessary paperwork and updating my resume, I discussed the opportunity with my Principal, who admitted that she had seen the position and had thought of me. She was refreshingly positive about my applying, and thought at the very least it would be an educational experience to at least interview for the job. Somewhat like her perspective on interviewing me for my current position, she didn’t think the possibility of me being selected was as much of a long shot as I believe it is. She agreed it was too significant to pass up. After discussing it with her, I submitted my paperwork and resume, thus effectively throwing my hat into the ring.
This is obviously not a farewell to Luxford, not in the least. We’ll have to sit back and wait to see if anything comes of my application. If nothing does come of it, so be it. That’s alright with me. Staying at Luxford is not a horror of a thought in the least. If this is the first step to a significant change, it would open the door to new challenges and rewards. We’ll see, and I’ll keep you posted.
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