What do you do to be involved in the community?
I do nothing to be involved in my community and, honestly, I’m just fine with that. There are many ways for people to be involved. Many different communities actually. A community could be the city where you live, your neighborhood, a particular non-profit organization that does things for a certain demographic of people. It could also mean a school or church community. And therein lies the reason I’m very glad to not be doing anything.
When I was applying for jobs last summer, I struggled to create my résumé. All of my professors in grad school warned us that our résumés should really not be more than one page. But in order for me to list all of the things I did for my school and church community—things that should prove to any prospective employer that I’m capable of doing a bunch of things—it took three and a half pages. I had spent 19 years doing an insane amount of extra things at work other than just teaching, which is all I was technically contracted to do.
I was the chair of so many committees for both my school and church (both closely linked since they were both a part of the same Catholic community). Other than committees, I was the leader of many other recurring projects and areas of my school. I did everything because I figured, I don’t have kids, I have time, I can do it. Give me all the hats to wear.
But by the end of it all…when I was talking to the director of the masters program I was in, he asked me a very important question. He knew what kind of year I had had as a principal. With regard to taking the permanent position as a principal, I remember telling him that I know I can do it. He then said, “But do you want to?” I didn’t hesitate with my response. No. I don’t want to do this anymore.
Fast forward a year and I still don’t want to do it. I don’t want to go back to being involved with committees and organizations and doing things that are extra and additional. I’m still tired from being the person who did everything.
There may come a time when I change my mind and look for opportunities to get involved with causes and community groups that I am interested in helping. But not now. I need more time to sit back and let other people spend their energy doing all the things. Seriously, just let me rest now for a while.
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