2 minute read
Director's View
Finish Strong, Start Fresh
Dr. Vic Wilson, CLAS Executive Director
As you read this article, you will be getting ready for a well-deserved break. Actually, you are probably ready for a break right now as I write this, and hopefully, you have made it to mid-December with a strong finish!
I hope you have had a great semester, and I also hope you take time during your break to relax and recharge. You may have big plans during your break, but I also hope you plan to take care of yourself during the break too. Those under your care deserve the best version of you, and so do you. When you plan to relax and recharge, you have a better chance of being the best version of you.
I remember Christmas of 2002. Santa Claus was bringing a big swing for Dailey (6) and Emma (2). Paul would arrive in March of ’03. Unfortunately, Santa did not bring the swing pre-assembled. Dad had to help, and due to the size of the swing and slide it was not possible to assemble the swing without the children seeing it. Therefore, I drove back to Hoover from Mother and Dad’s in Arley to assemble said swing on Christmas Eve. Mistakes were made. Words were exchanged with no one in particular, and a swing was ready for the children on Christmas morning. The swing was fixed later that week with the help of my dad. It was NOT a relaxing time. It was poor planning on my part.
Looking back on that time does bring fond memories, but at that time it was anything but a fond thought. I spent the entire week after Christmas working on the gift. I learned a valuable lesson about planning and relaxing. Future gifts from Santa were planned much better and caused far less anxiety for mom and dad.
I hope you make some great plans that lead to wonderful memories for you and your family and friends. I also hope that you return from your break recharged and ready to be the best version of you for everyone under your care and for you.
Thank you all for the job you do every day leading our schools and students. Alabama is moving in the right direction in education because of your hard work, integrity, and commitment.
