If you want to be better today than you were yesterday...

If you want to be better today than you were yesterday...

Walking through the quiet school today, I noticed a quote our MS students at Graettinger-Terril Community School District put up for others to see. It reads, "Judging a person doesn't define who they are; it defines who you are." ~Unknown

When I read that, it reminded me of our Every 15 Minute program from the spring of 2012...It reminded me of the day we lost Uncle Joe Kliegl to a massive heart attack...It reminded me that life is too short to allow the darkness to overshadow and smother the light...It reminded me that we choose who we are...It reminded me that I define myself, and that what others say is more about them than it is about me or you or the next person...It reminded me that I can make a difference, and that our students ARE making a difference. Finally, it reminded me of ALL the people who came together and worked very, very hard to positively impact our young people's lives.

I remember that day and especially what our actors and their parents went through: Mitch Girres, Baylee Marie Clayton, Maisey Ryanne Matthews, Morgan Matthews, Blaze Alesch -- Thank you, by the way, your commitment to that program had a very large impact on so many people.

After my previous post about the Facebook Defamation Case involving a 7th grade boy and his parents, I have renewed my commitment to making a positive difference (and not running from the negative presence, whether online or in person). I want to in advance thank those who are with me. Our kids are our future, after all. Remember, our days are numbered...

I felt I had to post again today because of the Verse that was waiting for me on my phone this morning -- I wanted to share it with YOU: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)

Image Credit: http://www.nd.edu/

We have but only One qualified to judge any one of us. Imagine the world if we tried a little harder to walk in someone else's shoes, tried a little harder to ice [silence] our tongues which are burning insult and assumption, tried a little harder to bring light and shed warmth instead of turning away and offering cold shoulders. Simply trying, I am convinced, would be a good start.

"When you don't get the chance to say goodbye," what type of legacy do you want to leave behind? What type of leader, role model, parent, friend, colleague, etc. do you want to be? And finally -- Remember: You don't have to let the condescending voice of gossip define who you are or who your children are. That is up to you and only you. We ALL have room for improvement; that's all that needs to be said.

Daniel Pink, author of "Drive," says that the most successful people ask two things before going to sleep each night. I did this without fail before cancer knocked me down...and then, unfortunately, I lost focus and it got lost in the shuffle.

Cancer and all that accompanies it LOST; I plan to begin again -- these questions will "DRIVE" me:

1) How have I made a difference...How am I better today than I was yesterday?

AND 2) What's my sentence, my legacy?

How about you?

Thanks for reading and stay warm!

I'm Back: "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog."

If you check back to my last post, you might notice it is dated February 25, 2011. Shortly thereafter, my life changed. Drastically. While finishing my administration coursework, facing my health complications head on, and transitioning into the principalship, I have tried to find balance. It has been a bit of a whirlwind and I am set on reestablishing my blog as a means of educational communication and sharing. 

The story in a nutshell: I was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer in the spring of 2011. Graettinger-Terril Schools and Communities wrapped their arms around my family, much as they do for anyone going through a difficult time. Though the treatment plan was rigorous, I continued to work with the help and flexibility of the G-T district and colleagues. After diagnosis, I went directly into 20 weeks of chemotherapy followed by a double mastectomy then radiation. As treatment was slowing, we discovered a grapefruit sized tumor and multiple smaller tumors in my ovaries; so a complete (somewhat emergency) hysterectomy followed radiation (tumors were benign). In addition to a clinical study medication, I continue to take an oral therapy medication for the next five years.

From relays to volleyball tournaments to an auction (some events planned and run by G-T students!) to meals and care packages, we were never once without support! "Team Alesch" was organized to keep friends and family informed. 

Smiling as I worked before the chemotherapy made me sleepy.

Middle and High School Students & Staff - an amazing, AMAZING group of people.

Participating in "Team Alesch" relay planned by G-T students.

Middle and High School Staff

It was amazing how the G-T troops rallied on my behalf.

These students mean the world to me. 

Cody and I at the "Team Alesch" volleyball tournament hosted by G-T students.

Minutes before my first surgery.

Family photo eight months after diagnosis.

I, along with my dad (who was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma six months after my journey began), now have 3-6 month checkups to make sure no cancer cells are invading.

I spoke at a relay event (summer, 2012), Making Strides to End Breast Cancer. I have learned and continue to learn so much through this journey. I hope to inspire others to find strength when hope is lost and to remain persistent against the odds.

Pretreatment photo marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.

The fight continues each day, but as I like to persist, 

"It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog."

(Quote by Mark Twain)

I look forward to many, many more years of education no matter what form I am educating or being educated in!