My PLN

I am so, so, so grateful for my PLN. They are amazing thought leaders. Together we imagine and create the future of education that I so desire to see come to fruition. The community that has surrounded me virtually and physically on my journey has enriched my soul, taught me more than I could ever hope, and kept me sane in times of doubt and frustration.

Recently I watched the First Lady of the United States, the wonderful Michelle Obama, speak at a graduation. Her words inspired me because her courage to reflect openly on her leadership, purpose and experience was authentic. She modeled for me what leadership for women should and could look like. Obviously I am not the intended audience for this speech but her courage to speak her truth came through to me on the other side of a youtube video. She said:

“I realized that if I wanted to keep my sanity and not let others define me, there was only one thing I could do, and that was to have faith in God’s plan for me. I had to ignore all of the noise and be true to myself — and the rest would work itself out.

So throughout this journey, I have learned to block everything out and focus on my truth. I had to answer some basic questions for myself: Who am I? No, really, who am I? What do I care about? “

I never realized that I would need encouragement for the journey as a principal. My PLN provides that for me just when I need it. I never thought that something that is such a natural fit for me could be at times such a struggle. These friends and mentors provide hope for my journey in educational leadership. And these words of Michelle Obama ring true for me in a profoundly impactful way. I am so thankful for my PLN for keeping me sane, for the encouragement for the journey, for the learning and growth.

The full remarks of the First Lady can be found here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2015/05/09/remarks-first-lady-tuskegee-university-commencement-address