Climb the Mountain

Let me start by apologizing for missing the last couple of weeks. I was following my own advice and taking time to play. My family went on vacation, and I just let my self rest and relax, well, for the most part. During our vacation we were fortunate to be able to see Arches National Park. Over the course of the vacation, there were many scenic paths and hikes that we took, but there is one in Arches that posed a real challenge for me. If you look at the quote page on this site you will see a picture of me on this particular trail. I am not overly physically fit, nor am I the kind of person who just volunteers to exercise. This is a personal struggle that I am just being real about.

On this trail, you had to climb up a mountain side for about a mile and a half to see an arch in the rocks. I really wanted to see this arch, but was nervous about climbing this mountain side. Regular hills during family hikes often pose a challenge, so I wasn't sure that I could make the trip. My family encouraged me to give it a go, and so I did. I took many breaks, felt as if I was going to pass out a few times, and I really think my legs and lungs believed I was trying to kill them. However, with the support of my family, I made it to the top. The view was incredible, and so worth the climb. The funny thing is, I am more proud of climbing up that trail than I am the pictures that I took from the top.

On the way back down, which was much faster, I got to thinking about what we do as teachers. There are times when the task before us is so daunting that we just don't know if we can make it to the "top". Those students of trauma who need social emotional help before they can learn their "Reading, Writing, 'Rithmetic", the student who has no buy in and would rather be anywhere else, and/or the student who wants to learn so much but learning is their mountain to climb all need us to be willing to climb the mountain with and for them. Sometimes we have to be willing to climb the mountain of learning for ourselves to learn the new skills that make us better equipped to teach in this ever changing world.

My challenge to you is climb the mountain. Which ever mountain that sits before you right now, don't let the daunting task stop you from setting out on the trail. Find your support group to help you, and climb the mountain. When you see your students struggling to climb their mountains, walk along side them and help them climb. Don't give up on your mountains, and don't give up on your students as they climb. You may have to pause and regroup, but catch your breath and put one foot in front of the other again. Next time we will talk about how to encourage others along their mountains, but for now just identify your mountain and put your first foot on the trail. Its worth it.