I have always been an avid reader. I easily get lost in the pages of a good book. For me, the last chapter of any story is always the best. The anticipation builds until the very end of the story. I must admit, even, that there have been times when I have read the last chapter of a book before actually reading the preceding chapters.
The last chapter of my work as an educator reflects a 30-year career in Poudre School District. For those who don’t know me—you probably have no ideas as to what the first 29 chapters were about. My professional story begins with my job as a teacher in the Alternative Junior High Program in 1982. A man by the name of Hal Kinard was my teaching partner (how lucky was I?). And as with all stories, the characters really flavor the story.
My story has been written with a variety of amazingly wonderful characters. The list of remarkable people who have touched my professional life is long. I have worked in five schools. I have been a substitute teacher, tutor, driver’s education teacher, PE teacher, English teacher, Forensics Coach, student council sponsor, assistant principal and principal. In all of those years, and in all of those places, I have learned some important lessons about life and education, as well as how to support teachers, students, and parents navigate the institution that we call education.
If you have been in my office, you might have noticed that it is full of photos, gifts and reminders of the relationships that I have shared over my career. I believe our worth is not defined only by dollars, but by memories that we share with others. It is my hope that through my monthly articles I can share a glimpse into what I have learned throughout my time as an educator. I appreciate the opportunity to share with the Ridge Nation.
The first lesson I would like to share with you is the power of dreaming and setting goals. At the heart of my love for high school is the joy that I have received from watching students grow and become successful adults. Two of those individuals who have made me so proud over the years are Tami Wolf and Jason Dravis. Tami and Jason were on the forensics team at Poudre High School. As their coach, I saw something amazing in both of them. They were talented, funny, and well-liked by their peers. Watching them compete was a joy. We’d load a school bus early Saturday mornings and return from competition very late Saturday nights. If you have never been to a Forensics tournament—you really should go. For me, I had the honor of teaching and coaching these two amazing students. Today, Tami is a teacher at Preston Middle School, and Jason is the CEO of the Monteiro Rose Dravis Agency in LA. Tami makes a difference every day in the lives of her students. And Jason is the publicist who brought The Hunger Games to the big screen.
Tami and Jason remind me how important it is have dreams and to pursue your dreams. Never let anything stop you from believing in your dreams. Eleanor Roosevelt said it best: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
Until next month,
Dierdre Cook
Editor’s Note: Dr. Cook will be writing a monthly column for etchedinstone.org. Please contact her at [email protected].
