ED News

by Russell Hamilton, TWUA Executive Director

Father Thank You. In this time of Thanksgiving, we take comfort in knowing that You remain in charge and control of life as we understand it. We need You, and we welcome You in all we do. We come into Your presence, seeking Your grace, Your calm, Your guidance, and forgiveness. Father, we pray for Your mercy and ask that You direct, protect, watch over, guide, and bless TWUA and its members. Amen

In West Texas, Lake Spence is sitting at 25.9 % (- 0.9 %). White River is sitting at 21.2 % (- 2.7 %). Panhandle - Lake Meredith is sitting at 35.7 % (- 1.1 %) and Greenbelt is at 17.9 % (- 0.8 %). If you want to get a complete look at current lake levels, go to waterdatafortexas.org. The drought has never left for some.

Mark your calendar 2022 – Mid-Year Board Meeting will be March 8th & 9th. Amarillo will be April 4th – 7th . Beaumont will be April 25th – 28th . Abilene will be May 2nd – 5th. Check the TWUA Website for the most up-to-date information related to TWUA Regional opportunities. If travel and being in crowds cause you concern or your employer has not approved travel, please look at the TWUA Computer Based Training options. (https://twua.org/online-class-dates)

Dates For Annual School 2022. The dates for the 104th Annual School in Corpus Christi are September 26th – 29th 2022. This will be Monday thru Thursday. The events have been pushed forward a day. The school will begin Tuesday and conclude with vendor move out at noon Thursday. We will have the information updated on the website soon, and the form will actually be live, so you could go ahead and preregister if you are looking for a legitimate budget expense.

Paper-Based TCEQ Testing - Help Spread The Word – if you want to continue to have the option of paper-based exams at the conclusion of TWUA regional events, we need exam numbers to justify TCEQ’s continued participation.

Click on or copy this link to find TCEQ computer-based testing locations. https://www.tceq.texas.gov/licensing/ exams/cbt_occ_lic.html

Call the TCEQ staff in licensing for more information or the official statement related to the Exams, Licensing, and Computer-Based Testing. 512-239-6133

For Clarification – There are three (3) steps in the TCEQ

exam process. (1. application/payment – 2. approval/ conditional approval – 3. designate testing location) You are not through if you have not designated a testing location with TCEQ. To test at a TWUA Regional event, TCEQ is asking for a 30-days designation before the event. If you did not meet the 30-day window, go ahead

and submit; sometimes, you get lucky. Some have received their approval or conditional approval letter and think all they need to do is bring the TCEQ letter and challenge the exam. You will still need to follow the direction on the letter and designate a test location.

The Story Goes Something Like This –

Jenny was so happy about the house her family had found. For once in her life, she would be on the right side of town. She unpacked her things with such great ease. As she watched her new curtains gently blowing in the breeze.

How wonderful it was to have her own room. School will be starting, and she will have friends over soon. There’d be sleepovers and parties: she was so happy. It’s just the way she wanted her life to be.

On the first day of school, everything went great. She made new friends and even got asked for a date. She thought, “I want to be popular, and I’m going to be, Because the guy who asked me out, is the star of the football team!”

To be known in this school, you had to have clout, And dating this guy would sure help her out. There was only one problem stopping her fate.

Her parents had said she was too young to date.

“Well, I just won’t tell them the entire truth. They won’t know the difference: what’s there to lose?” Jenny asked to stay with

her friends that night. Her parents frowned but said, “All right.”

Excited, she got ready for the big event. And she rushed around all giddy like she had no sense, She began to feel guilty about all the lies, But what could go wrong? It’s just pizza and a moonlight ride?

Well, the pizza was good, and the evening was great, But the moonlight ride would have to wait. For Jeff was four beers into a drunk by this time. But he kissed her and said, don’t worry, he was just fine.

Then the room filled with smoke, and Jeff took a puff. Jenny couldn’t believe he was smoking that stuff. Now Jeff was ready to ride to the point, But only after he’d smoked another joint.

They jumped in his car for the moonlight ride, Never considering that he was too drunk to drive. They made it to the point at last, And Jeff wasted no time trying to make a pass.

A pass is not what Jenny wanted at all (and by a pass, I don’t mean playing football). “Perhaps my parents were right…. maybe I’m too young. Boy, how could I ever be so dumb.”

With all of her might, she pushed Jeff away: “Please take me home; I don’t want to stay.” Jeff cranked up the engine and floored the gas. In a matter of seconds, they were going way too fast.

As Jeff drove on in a fit of wild anger, Jenny could feel her life was in great danger. She begged and pleaded for him to slow down, But he just went faster as they neared the town.

“Just let me get home! I’ll confess that I lied. I really went out for a moonlight ride.” Then all of a sudden, she saw a big flash. “Oh God, please help us! We’ve been in a terrible crash!”

She doesn’t remember the force of impact. Just that everything all of a sudden went black. She felt someone remove her from the twisted rubble, And heard, “Call an ambulance! These kids are in trouble!” Voices she heard…a few words at best. But she could hear there were two cars involved in the wreck. Then wondered to herself if Jeff was all right, And were those in the other car spared this night?

She awoke in the hospital to faces so sad. “You’ve been in a wreck, and you’re hurt really bad.” These voices kept echoing inside her head, And from the room next door, the announcement came, Jeff was dead.

The doctors said, “Jenny, we’ve done all we can do. And anything short of a miracle, we’ll lose you too.” “But what about the people in the other car?” Jenny cried. “We’re sorry to tell you, Jenny, but they also died.”

Jenny prayed, “God, forgive me for what I’ve done. I only wanted to have just one night of fun.” Tell those people’s family; I’ve made their lives dim, And wish I could return their loved ones to them.”

“Tell my Mom and Dad I’m so sorry I lied, And that it’s my fault, so many have died. Oh, officer, won’t you please tell my parents that for me?” The man just stood there, but he never agreed.

The police officer took Jenny’s hand with tears in his eyes. And just a brief moment later, Jenny died. A nurse asked the officer, “Why didn’t you do your best, To grant this poor girl her one last request?”

The officer looked at the nurse wiping his eyes; oh, so sad. “Because the people in the other car, were this girl’s Mom and Dad.” This story is sad and unpleasant but true, So people make good decisions; this could have been you.

Author unknown

Stay Safe and Remember – we do not need all the operators in Texas to be a member of TWUA – JUST YOU ! ! ! !

5 TIPS FOR LEADING BY EXAMPLE

GOVLOOP – By Ozlem Aydin

Whether we realize it or not, we’re always leading by example. The decisions we make and the actions we take inevitably sets standards for those around us. Our actions can either influence and inspire or have a negative and lasting impact on others. It’s important that we take the time to analyze our words and actions before carrying them out because we don’t know who is listening and observing.

When we hear the word lead, we often think of a person in a leadership position, but not all leaders are in positions of authority. Think about the leaders that inspire you. I thought of this often during the COVID-19 pandemic as we all looked for our leaders’ guidance and direction during this unprecedented time. Who are they? What qualities do they have that appeal to you? What qualities differentiate them from others?

When I think of someone that has influenced me through leading by example, my parents come to mind. They led by example each step of the way through my childhood into adulthood, teaching me how to navigate life. If we take a moment to reflect, we’ll realize we have integrated some of our parents’ examples into our own lives, perhaps more than we’d like to admit. Why did we take on some of their traits? Because we trust them. Trust is a big factor of leadership because we tend to follow in the steps of individuals that we trust and eventually adopt their habits. starts with a positive attitude. Your energy can speak volumes before you even say a word. Others will pick up on your attitude and energy and naturally mirror it, resulting in increased morale and productivity.

Follow through on your promises: To lead by example, we must first build trust. The best way to do this is by keeping our word and following through on our promises. If people trust that you will do as you say, they’re more likely to show the same level of commitment and be more engaged to take on extra responsibilities.

Be a good listener: A good leader acknowledges that they don’t know everything. Learning is a continuous journey of life and we learn so much from each other. To lead by example, we must be empathetic to others on their journey as well. By listening, we become more self-aware of our surroundings and can better show up to support those around us.

Be cognizant of your actions and words: For better or worse, our words and actions have a lasting impact. Even in stressful situations, try to remain supportive of your team and offer words of encouragement. It’s important to be cognizant of how others interpret what you say and do. Be mindful of what you say, your choice of words and who might be listening.

Follow the rules: By following the rules, you demonstrate accountability and set the precedent that no one is above breaking them. Rules can provide clarification around expectations and responsibilities. Leading by example and following the rules helps to ensure consistency and

Tips to lead by example:

Show up with a positive attitude: Effective leadership