I Am a Principal
In the past seven months, I have held four different titles. Summer 2018 was my season of transition. My title changed from Assistant Principal to Associate Principal to Interim Principal to Principal. The pace has been swift. I’ve had to think on my feet. There have been quick yeses, slow nos, let-me-sees and that’s simply not the way we’ll do its.
Andy Mineo, one of my favorite artists, says “If you stay ready, you ain’t gotta get ready. Y’all ready? Already...” This is my banner, my mantra. As a teacher, I would vision cast about being in leadership. I spent ample time considering adjustments I would initiate and decisions I would make for the betterment of teachers and students. While serving other administrators, I’d take notes about what I loved and jot down new ideas. Thankfully, I have walked behind and beside principals who allowed me to thrive. They championed my aspirations. Still, there’s something extra special about executing your own idea when you are the principal. It truly is the icing on the cake.
So, how has it been?
I am a principal.
I lead. I serve. I teach. I learn. I cheer. I cry. I seek truth. I hear lies. I’m sought. I’m avoided. I’m invited. I’m shunned. I’m celebrated. I’m hated. I speak. I listen. I’m up. I’m down. I’m right. I’m wrong. I’m out front. I’m in the background. I welcome. I protect. I hold secrets. I release hope. I welcome. I shield. I’m first. I’m last. I document. I wait. I calm down. I motivate. I wake up early. I go to bed late. I arrive first. I leave last. I set up. I take down. I’m on a team. I’m alone. I hire. I let go. I applaud. I discipline. I plan. I rearrange. I ask. I declare. I share. I hold on. I do. I delegate. I answer. I ask. It’s beautiful. It’s scary. I carry. I release. It’s a blessing. It’s a curse. I get up every day and look forward to it….
I am a principal.
