Episode Summary

In this episode, I reflect on what happened when I took one of the biggest leaps of faith in my teaching career. After spending 22 years in South Sioux City, I stepped away from a place filled with relationships, memories, credibility, and comfort to begin again at Winnebago Public Schools.

I share the uncertainty that came with starting over and the lessons I learned along the way. I discovered that experience travels with you, relationships still matter most, trust must be earned again, and some of life's greatest opportunities are waiting on the other side of uncertainty.

I also reflect on two deeply meaningful gifts—a seed bead necklace from a student and his mother and a Mr. Funky Teacher beaded medallion created by my students with help from Ms. Shipman. Those gifts represented far more than objects. They represented connection, trust, belonging, and acceptance.

As I look back on the year, I'm grateful I was willing to take the leap. My building changed, my community changed, and my routines changed, but my purpose came with me. This experience reminded me that when we genuinely care, serve others, and believe in young people, we can make a difference wherever we are.

Show Notes

Leaving South Sioux City after 22 years
Beginning again at Winnebago
Experience and purpose travel with you
Earning trust in a new community
Meaningful gifts of belonging
Growth on the other side of uncertainty

Key Takeaways

Leaving something good can still be the right decision.
Experience travels with you when you begin again.
Trust must be earned through consistent relationships.
Meaningful gifts can represent belonging and acceptance.
Some of life's greatest blessings wait beyond uncertainty.