Put me in, Coach!

When I was a junior in high school, an assistant volleyball coach, Aaron, pulled me aside one day, made me look him in the eyes as he said "You will be a starting middle this year". At that point I was not on the starting line up.  I was seemingly always a step behind my peers on the volleyball court and this was my first year on Varsity. I wasn't getting playing time during games at that point and felt a bit defeated, but he believed in me.  I was a strong blocker, an important part of defense, but not the skill everyone seemingly values.  At that level of volleyball people love to see a strong ace serve or powerful kill, both offensive skills.  I'm more of a behind the scenes person getting necessary work done in effective ways. 

A few games into my junior season, I'll never forget the gym or my coach Aaron, I was put in the game to fill in for a teammate who was struggling that night.  My coach never took me out.  My blocking game was on point and put me near the top of the section by the time I was a senior.  I was a valued asset to the team, but it took a bit longer to be recognized.  Ironically as I watch Big Ten volleyball when I cheer on my Minnesota Gophers the crowd goes wild with every block. At the elite levels of volleyball blocks are just as sacred and essential to the game. 

This is a pattern that holds true for me to this day.  There are many people around me who believe in me and my skills behind the scenes.  I'm blessed with colleagues who tell me they appreciate my voice when I speak up at meetings, who remind me I'm qualified for leadership positions, and encourage me to apply.  My skills haven't been valued yet to earn that promotion, but I know my time is coming and when it does I'll be ready and they won't ever want to take me out of the game. 

For now, I'll embrace the opportunities to lead that don't involve a promotion and believe that being in the classroom is the exact spot I'm meant to be right now.  Supporting a student teacher.  Creating structures for success in this online environment. Sending a letter to a student who just lost a family member to COVID-19.  Leading my PLC through building cohesive, supportive, online curriculum. Writing an MOU to ensure our union members are safe when they reenter the classroom.  These things are important too and I am exactly where I need to be....for now.