“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. To keep our faces toward change and behave like free spirits in the presence of fate is strength undefeatable.”–Helen Keller
I have grown accustomed to and welcome change as part of the stretching and growing of life. In all of the places my adventures have taken me, roots have grown quickly and attachments made. In the last six years of this journey, I have been saturated with the culture and customs of the Deep South. I have learned more about leadership, history, compassion, and perspective than I ever thought possible. These experiences have deepened my convictions in some areas and changed my mind in others. The South provided me a place to heal, to grow, to stitch together my heart, and build life-long relationships, both personally and professionally.
In the last year, my values and goals have continued to clarify. Physical separation from my extended family has taken its toll on my heart. Even while engaging in incredible leadership experiences through the pandemic and loving so much of my life and work in Atlanta, the yearning for home has won out. Through counsel, discernment, and beautiful twist of providence, I have the opportunity to go home and continue my learning and leadership journey.
In July of this year, I will take the helm of the Lower School at Sandy Spring Friends School. A school I have admired from afar for many years for its mission and commitment to progressive education, diversity and belonging, and incredible campus committed to creation stewardship. The opportunity to learn and grow with a new community all the while renewing my proximity to my beloved family is a gift I simply couldn’t have imagined.
A more formal set of thoughts of gratitude for my southern adventure will come in due course. There is too much good work to be done before moving along (no lame ducks, here.) But as for now, I celebrate this bittersweet announcement with joy and thankfulness.
Teach2Connect 