Thursday, August 28, 2014

Finding Our Element - Part I: Lessons from our Children

Part 1: Lessons from our Children
“Never underestimate the vital importance of finding early in life the work that for you is play. This turns possible underachievers into happy warriors.”
- Sir Ken Robinson

Each August marks a traditional Schug Family vacation. Together, we experience the treasures of the East Coast shoreline, the serenity of reconnecting with one another, and active engagement in our shared passions. This trip, like so many before, featured countless hours of ocean swimming, running, biking, paddle boarding, surfing, and (this year) parasailing. While each of these activities undoubtedly has its own rewards, this year, was different for me, because for the first time, I lived so much of the experience through the perspective of my oldest son, who is approaching his tenth birthday. On this trip, I came to realize how much he regularly and comfortably models three valuable life lessons that each closely correlate with learning and with leadership:
1.   Think less, feel more. When swimming or paddle boarding, sometimes the more you think, the more difficult it becomes and the less it is enjoyed. Apply this line of thinking to the work we do in schools. While so much of our role requires critical analysis, if we gave ourselves the freedom to be flexible and trust our instincts when working with children, families, and staff what impact might this have?


2.   Find solace in the thought that we are never really alone. Parasailing 500 feet above the Atlantic Ocean alongside my son reminded me of the importance of finding stillness in sharing the beauty of “a moment”. Giving someone our time and our full, undivided attention can make a bigger difference than we realize. When was the last time we did this for someone, and at a time they needed it?


3.   Operate in the present. Watching my kids surfing the ocean waves reminded me of the line from the end of the Jack Johnson song, “Breakdown”: “One of the big lessons you learn about surfing is how to operate in the present.” The rhythm of a rolling tide, the concentration and determination on children’s faces, and the joy of personal success are all moments we have the potential to witness regularly, should we allow ourselves the chance to do so. Do we know where to find these moments and do we invest enough time in celebrating them?   


I’m proud to say that my son is one of my role models. He’s someone who is unafraid to embrace discovering his “element”, every day. He challenges himself, personally, and is accountable, first, to himself. And he thrives in his quest to learn new things. I’ve been fortunate to have many great teachers in my life; however, it’s a privilege to say that he’s the best one I’ve had so far. And he inspires me to push myself to be fearless, in both my personal and professional life.




To be continued...

12 comments:

  1. Wow! What an amazing summer you have had. I love the lessons learned from you son and can wholeheartedly agree with you about how our PLN connections have enhanced our leadership skills. I have so much to learn from/with you, Dennis. So glad we are connected. Here's to the best school year yet!

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    1. Lisa, thanks so much for reading and for sharing your feedback. You are a role model for me as a middle level leader and as a person, because it's obvious the passion you put into what you do every day! It's a privilege for me to learn from you, because I know it's for those who matter most: our students and the members of our school communities. I'm so thrilled that we've connected and I'm really looking forward to further collaboration with you. Thanks for being such a valued member of my PLN and someone I can truly call a friend.

      - Dennis

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    2. Funny how that role model thing works as you have quickly become one of mine. Love our voxer group. I am also looking forward to that project we will launch this Fall!

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  2. Dennis this is excellent! You have enough great stuff in here for two posts! The part about your son was touching and honest and that is what made it resonate. I agree with you, too often we don't let ourselves just experience the moment. You are lucky to have such an amazing son and he is lucky to have a dad that knows he is awesome!
    As far as meeting members of your PLN, that is something that I have only done once and it was really neat. To connect online is one thing, but to meet face to face takes it to a whole other level. The quotes you used were right on. Great piece Dennis!

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    1. Jon, thanks so much for reading this and for your ongoing support! You know how much I respect and admire the work you do for kids, because you lead (and live) you passion. I really appreciate our friendship and all that I continue to learn from you about refining my "voice" through blogging. I can't thank you enough for all you've done to help me with this, and I really look forward to collaborating with you someday, as well as meeting face-to-face. Keep pushing yourself and others to be great for kids! Happy September, Jon!

      - Dennis

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  3. You had had an amazing summer of learning! I understand the feeling you had when you got to connect in person with those whom you have an online connection with. There's something very powerful about having online conversations then getting to have them in person. What's really cool is that only 1 of the 7 are about you doing something individually - the other 6 are about making & creating connections.

    Many people take family time for granted. Love that you have reflected on your time together. Has your son read what you have written about him? :-)

    Glad to have you in my PLN, Dennis!

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    1. Jennifer, thanks so much for reading and sharing your feedback with me. I appreciate that you noticed the examples of growth this summer involved collaboration, because, for me, that's what it's really all about. We can't be great for kids in isolation. As far as blogging goes, this is something I'm challenging myself to do this year, because it not only reflects my "voice" but gives me the opportunity to process and reflect on the amazing learning that happens as a result of interactions with passionate leaders like you and all of the amazing learning leaders in our PLN. Thanks for sharing your passion - it makes me and others strive to be great, for kids. Happy September!

      - Dennis

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  4. Wow! This is truly awesome. The quote about not finding solace in a life underachieved resonates as I cheer on my niece, a junior at HBHS, at The Hampton Classic. She's poised for greatness and I'm feeling inspired! Looking forward to a great new year.

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    1. Jenn, thanks so much for reading this and for sharing your feedback. Your perspective is always so valuable to me, and to extend it outward now through a blogging platform is even more meaningful. Writing is something that I've set aside in the last few years, but this year, I've decided to reignite that passion. And thus far, I've discovered that, while I'm not quite there yet, blogging has allowed me a place to process, reflect, and synthesize what I am learning. And the best part? It's all in the best interest of our HB students. Jenn, I appreciate that quote as well, and I love the example you shared about your niece. Kids can teach us so much; we just have to make the time to listen.

      Looking forward to an awesome year together!

      - Dennis

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  5. Dennis, I agree with the others that commented. This is "truly awesome." I knew I would be touched when the first thing I read was the Sir Ken Robinson quote. I have read The Element three times. For a year or so I have tried to operate more in the present, but often find it challenging. I hope to focus more on the task at hand as the school year begins and not worry or plan so much for the future. My absolute fav is you think less, feel more. I will absolutely remember that and tell myself that often.
    Thank you! BTW I am honored by the mention.

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    1. Emily, thanks so much for reading and sharing your feedback here. The Element is such a powerful book, and concept really, as it causes us to reflect our our role with all members of our school community as well as ourselves. I couldn't agree more, this year was a challenge as far as "being in the present" is concerned, however, one thing I did, quite by accident, was discover that sitting down with students, either individually or in small groups, has helped with this. It's really not unlike being 500 feet about the ocean with my son. If we create this time as a priority, the inspiration and perspective we gain can carry us. For me, starting each day with students focused me on being a reflective educator, always in pursuit of what's best for kids.

      Thanks also, Emily, for being a valued member of my Eastern Long Island PLN. That day at the ELA Network really meant so much to me, and I was glad that you were a part of it. I really do believe, for our kids on Long Island, that "the best is yet to come".

      Happy September!

      - Dennis

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  6. Dennis,
    I am not sure if my comment posted. I'm writing to thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings and for making me think and feel! You are inspiring as a dad and as a connected educational leader
    Sincerely,
    Mike

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