Story by Adam Leaming , Ponca City Public Schools/Contributing Writer irst of all, it feels good to be back with you, the readers! I have missed writing and sharing my thoughts with you, and I have been greatly touched that my absence was even noted! I sincerely appreciate the kind words, notes of encouragement and the fondness of the PC monthly community to encourage me to get back on the saddle and write again. As you’ve been informed, I’ve undergone a slight career shift where I found myself pivoting from higher education back to my first love, K-12 education. It’s a new role in an all too familiar organization, the Ponca City Public Schools. I don’t know if many people know, it was here with this same organization that I found a passion and elected to pursue education as a career.
a few lessons I’ve learned over the course of my career and reflecting on these instances has given me a new perspective on worry, concern, fear and anxiety, as I ask myself, “What can I control right now?” A few of the things I’ve personally found helpful when dealing with change and feelings of being overwhelmed is one, I can be honest. Even when I don’t know what’s happening or the answer to a question, I can be forthright. I don’t need to respond with statements alluding that I have a vague understanding, nor do I need to make excuses for my lack of knowledge. I answer truthfully and get to the point.
Fast forward 19 years, many different positions, and I have now returned but at a more central administrator role with our beloved local school system. I get asked daily, “How are you liking the new job, Adam?” I typically say, “I’m loving it,” or “it’s been an incredible learning experience!” But, the bottom line with this new position is it is a big task with a steep learning curve. New processes, new laws, thousands of students and adults, there are a number of continually moving pieces. I went from knowing the ins and outs of my day to day and could even look to the future with a feeling of certainty on how to plan and adjust. Today, I’m lucky to remember the password to even log into my computer. It’s been quite humbling to say the least; answering the 100th question of the day with an, “I don’t know, let me get back with you on that.” As you can imagine trying to keep track with it all can be quite overwhelming at times. But,
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There are so many things we can control and many I’ve found we can’t control. When I feel like it’s getting too crazy around me, taking a step back reassessing what I can control and consciously setting my intention has helped calm those feelings of being overwhelmed. Thank you Ponca City Monthly for reading my first column in this new role, I’m so happy to be back with you! I can’t wait until next month, or you can keep up with me on Twitter! @adamleaming
