Would you rather be right or happy?
This question summarizes my experiences, especially the past three years in my 17 year career in education. The question is Socratic in nature and challenges us to examine our beliefs and think through experiences and opportunities deeply.
I used to think that the public school system served the greatest good and worked to inspire creativity in children. Yet the more I examined my lived experiences as a public school principal, the more I realized the factory model just wasn't able to deliver in this area. Creativity demands individuality and passion. This runs against the grain of an industrialized model.
I started to notice that I too felt constricted.
This led to my questioning of whether I was doing the right thing for children and teachers. Deep down, I knew that there were areas that just didn't feel right.
I admitted to myself that I was supporting a system that I'd given blind faith to, sometimes at the cost of allowing children the space to develop passions that would later turn into a calling, a special gift that could contribute to the greatest good for our world. In fact, I needed that for myself.
So I was wrong, and I've developed a deep sense of gratitude, joy and happiness from realizing that and taking a new path. It's challenging to grow, but it is incredibly rewarding.
To each person that crossed my path, thank you for pushing me to grow, take risks, admit when I am wrong, and celebrate the growth, synchronicities and possibilities that I never knew existed. I am so grateful. With that gratitude comes immense happiness.
We are just getting started at Acton Academy Palm Harbor. Join us for this adventure in learning and discovery.
We genuinely value individuality. Our tribe of learners lead by example, set excellence as the bar, and celebrate from mistakes as a valuable part of the journey to deeper self-discovery.
Kristy Moody, Co-Founder & Guide at Acton Academy Palm Harbor