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Monday, September 25, 2017 happens to be one of those days that changed my life forever. Though I have chosen to utilize this platform primarily for discussion about me and my horse, Jean-Luc, I believe this particular event warrants a post.
I have been blessed to hold some pretty unique and fun job titles in my professional career. A few titles include Production Manager for a film company, both national and international Recruiting Manager for a ski resort, an Executive Director of a Chamber of Commerce, and even an Account Executive for a strategic communications firm. Though seemingly very different, there is one thing each of those positions have in common – they each involve communicating with people. I love people; especially people who are “different” or “unique”. Learning what makes individuals “individual” happens to be, what I believe, makes the world turn. In college, I mastered in Journalism and Mass Communications because I am fascinated by the nuances needed to actually perform effective, strategic communication. I used to believe I wanted to be the next Leo Burnett (god among advertisers). I was sure the life of neon, night clubs, advertising and Mad Men was meant for me. I was wrong. And that is something I have only recently come to terms with. Please understand I don’t say this to be braggadocio, but to get a better understanding of the present, and my insecurities when it comes to following this new path. At my university was good…really good at what we did. I graduated top of my class in both undergrad and graduate school. Doing anything other than working on 5th Avenue in New York City, or for some big agency out in L.A. felt/feels as if I was/am falling short of the potential everyone and everything thought I had/have. The truth is, one skill, I have carried with me in my tool box from age. It made me exceptionally good in the communications field and it just came naturally. My one skill that makes me special happens to be… teaching. For me, breaking down concepts to their smallest steps and finding individualized ways to communicate those ideas to others happens to be something I am unusually accomplished at. For me, there is something very exciting about being able to relate to someone on their level, and share an idea or concept with them that they maybe never knew before. I especially love when it’s something that can help that person in the future. The answer to the question “how I became a teacher ” is long and boring, but as of this past Monday I took my first steps down the hallways of the high school I happen to be an alumni of as Mrs. Jones; Special Education Teacher. People “around town” are very confused. I can tell many wonder if I have lost my mind. I get looks, and am often questioned, “Why would you want to do that?” I am more than happy to report, however, that my give a d*mn, when it comes to their options, is busted! I LOVE IT! I will admit, teaching youth with mid to moderate autism made me nervous. I knew this would challenge even my best communication skills. At the start of this week, I wasn’t sure if I could relate to my students. Their communication is more than a little different, some days it is down right bizarre. Words escape me though, when I try to describe just how incredible and rewarding being their teacher is. My students are funny, smart, and allowed me the privilege to just fall right into this new career. I understand working in Special Education isn’t for everyone, but I believe I was made for this. Each day, I smile as we figure out, together, ways of communicating with each other to accomplish the tasks or goals set before us. In many ways, it does remind me of working with horses. Jean-Luc clearly does not speak the same language I do. Thus, it is up to me to communicate clearly and effectively to ensure we become a team. The mental games he plays sometimes mirror the mental challenges my students set before me. Did I meant ion… I LOVE IT! After taking the week to adjust, I have figured out one more bonus to teaching. I have actually gained about 15 hours back to my life per week! That is incredible. This career path isn’t what others may have expected of me, but it is allowing for me to take care of a really important person in my life – ME! And that is something I’m very thankful for. In the weeks to come, there will be many more stories about Jean-Luc and me, but the horseback writing blog is truly a blog about communication. For those of you following along, thank you. We look forward to communicating with you, too! As always #BloldyGO!
2 Comments
lytha
10/6/2017 05:33:52 am
Just found out about this, and soooo glad I've already been to enough conventions and seen all the actors I felt I needed to long ago. I sat at Quarks' bar next to Majel Barret! But check out the prices - almost 2K euros to get a photo and signature from Willliam Shatner! Phooey! The lowest entry fee is 175Euros, to just sit in the audience. BTW, Patrick Stewart is exactly as charismatic in real life as Captian Picard.
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Chelsey
10/6/2017 08:40:03 am
Very cool! So glad you found us. Jean-Luc (the horse) and I seem to find daily inspiration from Picard. Though a fan, I just find the world and guiding principles of Gene Roddenberry to be helpful no matter the scenario.
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AuthorMy name is Chelsey. HorseGenerator's Cuevo Gold, or as he's known around this barn, "Jean-Luc Ponycard", was foaled in 2004 from Generator's Hurricane & Cheyenne's Little Bit. Top 10 Blog Favs.Archives
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