Marilyn

#SOL19: March 3rd

Marilyn stopped

And said, "I think you should try for National Board Certification."

Realizing that someone saw potential in me,

In the computer lab hallway of all random places, a

Lesson that sometimes people see things we don't see in ourselves. 

Years went by before I decided to try,

Never forgetting the person who believed in me first.

     This post is in honor of Marilyn McManus.  She is on the eve of surgery tomorrow, and I am sitting here thinking about her impact on my life.  It's funny how one moment can change a lifetime of moments.  That day in the computer lab, almost 15 years or so ago, was the start of something for me.  Her belief in me started that day, but it took me a few years to finally believe in my own ability to try.  When I finally decided to try for certification, I was able to do it with a group of people who taught me the real value of a PLN.  When I did receive certification, it led me to working with the Mentor Program and leading various professional development sessions.  That led me to the opportunity to become a literacy coach, and ultimately a literacy coordinator.  All because someone saw potential in me that I didn't see myself.

     Can I tell you a secret?  That day in the lab, the lesson I really learned was not about my professional future.  It wasn't about becoming an NBCT at all.  It was about seeing the abilities others have, and telling them.  It was about the conversations that should be had. I can't count the number of times where I have had conversations with people, telling them a strength that they weren't aware that they had, or about the impact they didn't realize they had made.  That one conversation with Marilyn taught me to have that conversation with others.  And, the truth is, I have seen those conversations have impact. Believing in people has a profound effect on life.

     Healthy thoughts and prayers to you, Marilyn, today and always.  I believe in you.