How do you want to be Remembered?

Why are people that behave like bullies in leadership positions? Why are people that can stop them in leadership positions? Why is it OK for them to exist blamelessly, held unaccountable and continue to treat others inhumanely.. while the rest of us cower and ‘take it’…

After I reposted a post in LinkedIn by a friend who is a Principal who started as a teacher, prepared for it as a teen, wrote that she was made fun of because she has an emotional support dog.. Do you remember the infamous incident when the Clown in Charge made fun of the disabled reporter?.. Because we saw it.. with our own eyes.. This is still ok? Or is the rot at the head, infecting the rest of the body? The poor example of leadership we currently have is emboldening others to do the same?

And she didn’t name that person but I did, because when is enough going to be enough? When will we continue to be treated badly and it continue to be the norm.. and in this case, I speak of teachers. I know the WORLD IS ON FIRE but FOHK!! The truth is, this person is now her colleague, a fellow principal… so targeting teachers wasn’t enough?

The sad thing after? for me at least and I know it can be a good thing, I deleted the post after being counseled by my husband, because he made sense and because he’s afraid of having to care for a pensionless ‘vieja‘ in his old age. The fear of fighting city hall and losing.. yet I am up for it, the good fight, ‘making good trouble’.
Why? because of the kids! The why of why we are here and the why we do what we do is and always will be the focus and reason for coming to work everyday. The fact remains they are the ones that are greatly affected by the discord and deficiencies experienced between the Department of Education and its employees, teachers. And just as I said in the video I recorded to replace the repost I deleted, they must be prioritized and as adults, we must be better at what we do for them.

To me, it boils down to one question: How do you want to be remembered?

My mindset has earned me the love and respect of many of my students and I am certain I will be remembered fondly, with great love and respect. Along with my family and true friends, teaching is my legacy and what I want to be known for along with my other achievements. I know that I do not walk alone on this path and there are those I come from and represent and how I am remembered is how they are remembered.. that thin thread.. that links us. Then why can’t those that herald titles of public servants do the same?
I guess they would have to care about the person first right? to care.. And I know I no longer mattered to the higher ups at Fashion Industries High School because here I am.. ‘fighting the good fight’, alone it seems. But I care, and sometimes you alone is enough, because it starts with one person to make change.

It will almost be a year since I was removed from HSFI, and ‘time’ is a tricky thing for traumatic events. Trauma can make time seem like it was just yesterday as well as a lifetime ago. This perception of time doesn’t escape those that have lived through impacting experiences, a small gesture can trigger a monsoon of emotions and at times with proper care can turn into a lesson learned leading to new life ventures. I am looking forward to my sabbatical and becoming a student again.. and not hurt over losing my second home.

And this is how my trauma has been transformed.. walking into Murry Bergtraum everyday, without practicing the craft I went to college for, fashion.. some days it’s depressing and some day’s it’s ok.. the students make it better, even the ones that clearly need extra support, and if they ever read this, they know who they are. It was great teaching you.

I hope you remember me well because I will always remember you with love.