When You Believe

The topic of this post has been on my mind for a while, but I think I can finally put it into words.  Or at least attempt to!

I believe in dreaming big.  I believe in what others may think is "impossible".

Last night I was invited to be a part of a #USedchat group doing a Google Hangout to talk about "change".  It was an honor to even be asked but it was also just great conversation.  I left that conversation feeling even more excited about the path I've chosen to take.

As I jump into this new role, and as I enter a district who is struggling, I've continually heard people tell me...

- They're so low, you don't need that your first year!
- Are you sure you're ready for this?
- I hope you have 5 years of your life ready becuase that's how long it's going to take to do anything!
- Why would you want to jump into that mess?
- You're not ready for this.
and my "favorite"??
- Don't try to do that, those kids can't handle it.

I hear the words come out of their mouths.  I see the looks on their faces.  But their concern and their statements don't make sense to me.

I have seen the lowest kids rise about the "smartest".  I have seen the downtrodden, find their hearts again.  Why?  Becasue someone believed in them.  Because someone told them they could.  Because someone set high expectations.

I think of two of my friends.  I think of my friend Ron Clark, and how his passion for believing in and working with kids has changed the lives of some of the most challenging kids.  I remember him telling me just a few weeks ago, "Todd, what you're getting into is so exciting.  Imagine the change that you can bring about."  And that's exactly right.  Why would I want to be anywhere else?  I want to be where there is a need, like in Navasota.

Then I think about the conversation I had with my good friend Angela Maiers, just last night.  I must say though, you can NOT talk to Angela Maiers, and not leave changed.  She just has that effect every single time I talk to her.  Angela and I both have the same mindset with people.  Let them know that they matter.  Let them know that you care.  Let them know that they have a voice.  And just watch how much it changes things.

The road in front of me is not going to be an easy one.  I know that.  But as a man of faith, I know that God has placed me here for a reason.  I have seen piece after piece fall perfectly into place as I've made my transition over to Navasota.  I've watched the perfect team fall together.  I've seen passions reignited in teachers, admin, and parents alike.  I've seen a rumbling within the community begin to take hold.  And it's exciting.  It's invigorating.

We're going to do someting extraordinary down here in Navastoa, Texas.  Why?  Because I believe.  I believe in the power that lies within a dedicated group who are passionatly concerned with reaching every child's heart.  I believe in hard work.  I believe in what same claim as the "impossible".  Because you see, in my personal dictionary, the word impossible doesn't exist.