The Beginning of the Circle

I started with a career as a mental health counselor and felt a great sense of reward and accomplishment. I saw the positive impact of my efforts and knew that I was making a difference. Somehow, I got lost along the way and found myself working for twelve years as a research supervisor. This job was gratifying in some ways, but there was a big gaping hole -- there was not the same sense of reward and accomplishment.

My next journey began when I had the good fortune to be in a group of workers that were laid off. I knew this change was going to be my last opportunity to find my way back to where I started - making a difference. Yet I was not sure of my next step. As I was pondering and pursuing different avenues, a friend suggested that I substitute teach, while looking for this final opportunity. So I continued to look and then it hit me - what I was looking for I was already doing. The feeling of seeing an eight-year-old child light up when being told she was smart, or told he did a really good job, or told how proud I was of him. That child lit up → lit me up→ redirected me. And so the circle continues…