“Step out of the history that is holding you back. Step into the new story you are willing to create.” —Oprah Winfrey
Note: I wrote this post on Instagram a few days ago to mark the first day of school. I am a 5th grade teacher. I was taking a moment to reflect on that morning.
Today is the day. This is the first day of school. A few moments ago, I put my kids on the bus and sent my wife off to work. Right now, it is just me until I head out in a few. The start of a new school year is filled with promise and expectation. A new school year means new opportunities and challenges. What my students are expected to learn this year is the same as last year, but every year is still different. Every student comes into my room at a different place with different needs. It is my job this school year to meet those needs. My job as an educator is never done, but I keep going in order to support my students who need me.
I took these photos on the last bike ride I went on. I took a ride over to Freedom Park. It was a beautiful and clear day. I had just finished taking some long exposure shots of a creek, and I thought I was done for the day. As I was riding back home, I couldn’t help but notice this beautiful scene right in front of me. I had to stop and capture it.
To all of the educators going back today, soon, or have already been back, you got this. It seems like every school year is filled with a new set of challenges, but we are ready to meet those challenges head on.
Through Griffin's Lens 