Does anyone else feel the need to find ways to expand your knowledge? I think I am a forever student. After all, knowledge is power! After I finished my doctorate in Educational Leadership about eight years ago, I naively thought that I was DONE with school. It took me eight years to finish my degree that should have taken me five. I remember my orientation to the doc program where a group of faculty recommend not having any major life changes while in the program because those stressors might become reasons for not finishing. Well, l did exactly what they told me NOT to do…. got divorced, changed careers from being a public school teacher to an Executive Director of a non-profit, single mom for awhile raising three children under the age of 8, remarried, had a baby at the age of 42, moved, and changed careers again, moving into higher education. Stressful, yes. But I was determined. And I had a few really cool professors and understanding peers who let me bring my three kids to class.
I enjoy the pursuit of knowledge, which is why I was pulled to higher education. I love my job because I get to prepare teachers to work in special education. I get to work with like-minded people in advocating for students and others with disabilities and I get to keep my toes wet in the public schools, where I teach most of my courses. It’s exciting, demanding and constantly changing all the time. Because I’m out in the field a lot, I see things and notice things that make me worry about our young children. The mental health crisis is alarming and it’s affecting not just adults but our kids too. While there are professionals to help, many either can’t afford the help or just don’t know where to find it. I’ve been bothered by this for a long time. Having a child who grew up in the public school system with mental health issues was eye opening for me.
My concerns and wonderings about the state of mental health in our country have led me to enhance my practice in the disability world. As a new registered mental health counselor intern, I’m on a mission to expand my credentials and contribute to the body of knowledge as it relates to mental health issues. I’m hoping to bring some of that knowledge into helping teachers, parents and others understand the enormous task we have ahead of us.
My point to this story is to encourage people to find ways to expand their knowledge and skills. You may not go the formal route like I am doing, but there are other ways to creatively grow your abilities. Life is short, so get out there and do it!