President’s Message
Ernie Lambert
Are we really alone?
A
As a child, I’m sure many of you remember lying on your back staring up at the sky, watching the stars, wondering if we really are alone. All those billions of stars, what are the odds? We can’t possibly be alone. The reality is that many are alone. There is your elderly neighbor who gingerly steps down her icy walkway. There is the young child whose single mother works nights and can’t afford child care. These are the obvious ones. What about the teacher who comes to work way too early, and leaves way too late, because there is nothing else in their life? What about your work mate, who seems so well adjusted but sticks to themselves? The new person in your office, the new student in your class? There is a great deal of truth to the saying, “Alone in the crowd.” Tragedy brings out the best in peo-
6 Ops Talk
ple. The recent tsunami has generated countless acts of kindness to provide support to those affected. Will people continue to help once the disaster leaves the headlines? Will people still provide help at home? Will they support the local food bank, service groups, or their neighbor? I believe they will. People will help if they know it is needed. Often times, it is the ones who are the least able to help that help the most. Usually this is because at sometime they were helped, and understand the importance. Tragedy and help can come in many forms, and is not always readily apparent to everyone. You may be oblivious to someone else’s tragedy that is standing in front of you. Help can be something as simple as a kind word or a listening ear. Most of us have seen individuals continue to push on till they reach the breaking point, but were not aware of it until it was too late. In many instances, we find out from someone else, and we think we should have seen it coming. We wish we had done something. But, by the same token, many of us have been fortunate enough to have been there to support someone in their time of need. So, don’t get down on yourself, just be aware. Probably the most difficult thing to understand is when you need help. It is always the other person. You feel that you should be there for everyone else, but neglect to seek assistance for yourself. You have a job to do, family responsibilities, volunteer work ... and then all of a sudden something hits, and you feel completely overwhelmed. You have vacation time coming, but now is not a good time; you have too much to do. Everyone, especially you, have high expectations of you.
Recently I have had the privilege of experiencing this. You might ask how this could possibly be interpreted as a privilege. Well, they say the things you survive make you stronger, and in this case much wiser. I found myself in a place where I continued to strive for excellence, but felt that I was just spinning my wheels. Eventually, I was simply stuck. I needed to stop, and get traction so I could start to move again. While I was doing this, I was humbled by the support I was given. My employer chipped in and shared the load. My co-workers shared genuine comfort and caring. The Executive of our Association took the load, and never missed a beat. Most importantly, my family never wavered, even though I did. Their love, support and understanding was instrumental to my success. Today I lay on my back, and look at the stars, and know that I am not alone. Neither are you. Remember this! Be there for others, but most importantly be there for yourself. The support is there. It does not need to be tragic. Our Association has a long history of supporting each other in most aspects of life, not just in the performance of our jobs. Take advantage of this, sometimes it helps just to talk. Don’t hesitate to ask, because I know you would be there if some one else asked. As my term as President comes to a close, I continue to have tremendous respect for our Association. I want to thank the current Executive for their unwavering support, and their constant efforts to achieve excellence. This Association will continue to grow stronger and remain recognized as an affiliate of educational professionals. ﱦﱥﱤ
