hmmm.

life is a crazy bundle of good and bad, ugly and beautiful, simple and oh so complicated.
or is that just me?
Things never turn out quite like I expect them to, plan them to, want them to.
It has been interesting these past few months to find myself again

Even though Nitro has only just begun... it is good. I think it will be good. I want it to be good.
Initially my strategy is to let the kids get to know me a little... the real me.
I think that is an important part of being able to connect with them...
I'm not flashy, and I can be a HUGE dork... but one thing I am not is fake...
I'm not a sugar coater, and I am not going to build up illusions and facades.
I think as long as they see that, I will be able to impact them.
I hope.
Another aspect of my strategy is to get to know them. The real them.
They won't believe I care if I am not willing to invest.

I think initially I got distracted with the planning/facilities/etc
overwhelmed with what had to be finished...
all the minor details that the kids will never notice
but I have quickly realized
that they won't notice because that isn't what they need.
Popcorn on the ceiling, the color of the walls, how neat the programming is
isn't what they worry about.
They need to be loved, cared for, supported, invested in.
I'm done pouring my time and energy into a facility...
I'd rather invest in my students.
I needed to learn that.
And though I am still going to finish the room,
and invest in the programs,
my students and leaders come first.