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My Goal: Make a Difference

 

When I began the Master of Arts in Education Degree from Michigan State University, my goals were very different from what they are now. As I think back to the fall of 2013, I see a student going for his master’s degree with a focus in educational leadership and athletic administration, and hopes of leaving the classroom. This goal had nothing to do with my job as a teacher and I was not going through the burnout that some teachers experience, I simply had other professional goals. My main goal was to become a leader of an athletic department. I wanted to make sure a high school athletic program was run properly so students could experience the benefits. A second goal of mine was to become a more confident leader, someone people would follow. My third and final goal, it may have been more of a backup plan, was to set myself up for success outside of public education. At the time I was concerned with the direction of public education. With budget cuts and increased pressure on schools to show positive results, I wanted to feel that if needed, I could make a transition into the business world. I felt that a degree that was focused on leadership could accomplish this goal.

 

After spending the last two plus years working my way through the MAED program, my goals and priorities have shifted. While I still would like to be a positive leader and role model for my students and athletes, I am not in such a hurry to leave the classroom or sidelines. I realize that being this role model comes from direct contact with the students, through teaching and coaching. My second goal did not change. I believe that I am now a more confident leader. This program has shown me that a leader can’t be complacent, they must continue to push forward while reaching their goals and the goals of those they are leading. The biggest change came from my third goal, about being prepared for life outside of education. Over the last couple years I now understand that all I want is to work in the world of education. My goal is to make public education a better place.

 

While some of my goals stayed the same, I believe change is necessary and common. I know that the goals I had three years ago are different from the goals that I have now, and the goals I have three years from now will be different as well. I believe a leader must understand this and be able to work through it. While my goals may change through the years, one thing that will always remain is the desire to be a positive leader and role model for the students I work with on a daily basis. As long as this thought remains the same, change in goals and vision over the years should not matter.   

 

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