My response to my Parent's Concerns...Prioreties Driven by more than Just the Wind

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From: My Dad
Date: Wed, 9 Sep 2009 13:56:20 -0700 (PDT)
To: Our Favorite Daughter (Luckily...our only daughter)
Subject: Concerned


REALLY WORRIED ABOUT YOUR PACE..AND UNDERTAKING'S..WE NEED TO TALK.. ..YOU ARE A TIGER..BUT SLOW DOWN AND TAKE A LOOK AT THE BIG PICTURE..YOUR LIFE AND FAMILY ARE FIRST..

WE LOVE YOU A LOT AND WANTS YOU TO BE HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY

NOT ACHIEVING THE TOP ALL THE TIME..SOMETIMES PRIORITIES ARE WORTH
RE-POSITIONING BASED ON REALITY!!

LOVE YOU A LOT...YOU KNOW THAT..DAD AND MOM
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From: You Know Me
Date: Thu, 10 Sep 2009 07:16:59 +0000
To: Mom and Dad
Subject:
Priorities driven by more than just the wind!


My priorities...My priorities, in fact are more in place than ever!!! They are about my family. Being able to provide for them independently, should I ever need to do so. I also need to prove to others...but mostly to myself... that I am an intelligent, capable person, who has so much more to offer.

I, therefore, am finally making a choice to overcome a few hasty decisions I made years ago,regarding my education. I always struggled with learning limitations, as far back as I can remember, through many various schools and tutors, only to finally graduate from a private High School, out of a class of 8 students.I was only 17, given my August summer birthday.

College at UT Austin was a whole lot of fun, proably too much fun, as I lasted 3 years until I was done...leaving, unfortunately, without a degree in hand. Eventually, I relied on my creative skills to acheive a Graphic Design Associates Degrees,as well as, a CDA in Early Childhood education. I am proud of these pieces of paper framed on the wall, for they made it possible to be the extraordinary teacher that I have loved being for the past 13 years. I love my teaching career, and hope to further myself in the Field of Education and the Study of Human Development, and/or child psycholgy.
I must say, the path that I chose has given me my greatest gifts ever, with, absolutely, no comparison. My family, my children, my friends, my sport, and all the children I have taught over the years, who, in turn have also taught me. These experiences and everything I have learned over the years, has given me the notion that there is still more for me to acheive. So.... I move forward with a strong gust in my sail.

That said.... it is time to take a Humanistic Perspective ( a term I picked up in my current psych class) enabling me to do what I set my mind to doing, to pick a path, (joined by the strength and support of my family.)Together we begin an adventure, a new chapter, a journey. With renewed hope, and skill, we make our way towards our next destiny.

It is with intent, and a special kind of hope that through this process I'm undertaking.... our children will learn a life lesson from my example. Experiencing(as a family) the joy of working hard and earning what you want and need,the dedication and sacrafices required... no matter who you are, or what your predisposition is. Setting goals to be met, whether an elementary school student, a middle school student, a high school student, or, a in my case, a middle aged college student. Actually, i suppose this theory pertains to any goals one may have. Teaching the concept of working hard to be the person I want to be....THIS is one of my greatest priorities. A hands on knowledge of what it will take.

Believe me, or children...they see plenty, maybe stuff they probably should not be privy to, or exposed to. Family relationships are intricate, fragile, and sometimes difficult (we're human!) Still I beleive one of the many things our children will see, is that I'm trying my best as a returning student,a teacher,a mother, and a wife. As is their dad, who is trying his best to work hard in his career, stay healthy and fit, provide for the family, and take over some of the mommy duties. Certainly, seeing their mom and dad working so hard, can only be a positive influence. The fact that I'm taking an interest in bettering myself, going back to school, and opening doors to new possiblities and opportunities for our future as a family, is something I hope they will also, apply to their own lives and futures... Knowing that timing and effective decision making are imperative...yet not necessarily detrimental when things don't happen as they hoped, or even planned... "It is never to late!"

We as humans have free will. The freedom to choose our own destiny, and the ability to direct our own lives... that is what makes us uniquely human. We can choose to make opportunities for ourselves. I choose to create more out of myself by finally persueing that college degree I didn't get as a kid. "I KNOW, DAD...YOU TOLD ME SO!" Well, better late than never. I was supportive of my husband all through Law School, he has always suggested that I need to go back to school for some kind of degree. For my own self esteem...if nothing else. Well here goes, and I think I'm even liking it.

Its not easy, but I beleive this could lead to something wonderful. I'm smarter than,... he... and most people give me credit for. I'm not just a pretty girl in heels... Its time to prove it, and earn the respect I so desire. Hopefully I have your support. My goals are not set to far into the future. For now I'm going to do my best in the class I'm taking, work and play hard with the children I teach, care and nurture the family I cherish, take care of my own well being, and then lean foward from there.

I don't know where this will lead. I get my compass out and pretend to know where the wind is taking me this time. All I can do is lean forward. It's with a sturdy posture, an open mind, and a positive attitude... and then GO FOR IT!

Oh Yes...Of Course...I'll try my hardest! I appreciate your concern and assure you, my priorities are in the right place. You only live once. Might as well fly to new heights!

xoxo,
Love you,
Heather