Through thick and thin, my parents have always been there for me, in so many situations. I know that my mom is always just a phone call away, and no matter what is happening in my life she will stop what she is doing, listen, and help to support me through both positive and negative situations. My dad is always there to provide humor, laughter, and positive energy. I don't know what I would do without them, and their individual styles of support. My grandmother, sister, aunts and uncles have also been there for me, to support me personally and professionally over the years. My small, close knit family is one of the reason that I am, who I am today. Our challenge this week was to describe what life would be like without these supports, and to be honest, I don't even know. Individually, each member of my family helps me in one way or another, and together, they work as a team to provide support to each other. I don't even want to think about what life would be like without a piece of this intricate family puzzle.
Professionally, my main supporter is my mentor, Esther. When I was fresh faced, and right out of college, Esther saw something in me, and put me into a position that I probably wasn't ready for. She taught me how to supervise, how to teach, and how to be a strong leader. Throughout the last 10 years of my career I have always looked to Esther to help guide me through changes. I started a new position in the last 3 months, and the first person I called was Esther, and she helped me to see that transition is hard, but the outcome is worth it. She is someone in the early childhood field that I will always look up to, and always look for support from, no matter where we are each at in our careers.
While I am fortunate to have so many people surrounding me supporting me mentally, physically and emotionally, there are many out there who do not have this luxury. I think about the "what ifs", what if I were to lose my job, or experience some sort of catastrophic event? I know that in either of those events, that I would still have those that love me surrounding me, and helping me through the tough time. I know that my mentor, Esther, would be there to support me professionally, and that my family would be there to support me mentally, monetarily and any other way they could.
Machaela,
ReplyDeleteYou gave us such a wonderful image of the supports in your life. I love the quote you posted as it speaks to your description of your family as a team. I think that many families would describe themselves as a family but not necessarily as a team.
I also love the description of your mentor. I have someone in my life, too, that I call my mentor. I have known Jacqui for 23 years now and she has watched my girls grow up, too. Even though we didn't follow the same paths together, I know that I can always go to her for advice, good news and to sometimes situations where I talk and she listens. It is so important to have someone in your field that that can understand your journey. I am so glad that you have Esther, just as I have Jacqui.
Hello Machaela.
ReplyDeleteI can tell you are very close to your family. Their support is the best kind of support there is. Like you, I don't know what I would do if I didn't have my family to lean on in the good and bad times. They often share in my joy and my pain and are always there to offer a lending hand or a listening ear. Humor also goes a long way. Thank you for sharing!