From the President

From the President

WSST President, Kristin Michalski

Upon retiring in June, I was struck by the anxiety I felt. It wasn’t just because I packed up 31 years of an identity, but it was also the uncertainty of what lay ahead. With any life change, there is anxiety in the unknown. As I thought about rebuilding my identity, I was reminded that I have been helping students with this transformative process throughout my career. Whether it was helping them transition to a new school or getting them ready for college, recovering from academic setbacks, or supporting them through hard times, I was helping my students navigate change. From my experiences, I found these steps that can help you or your students rebuild their identities.

Self-reflection: Take time to reflect on your personal values, interests, and goals. Consider the aspects of your identity that are important to you. What do you want to achieve professionally? What subjects or activities spark your passion? Understanding yourself better will lay the foundation for rebuilding your identity.

Embrace change: Recognize that rebuilding your identity involves embracing change. Be open to new experiences, ideas, and perspectives. Accept that change can be challenging but also offers opportunities for growth and self-discovery.

Set goals: Establish clear and realistic goals for yourself. These goals can be academic, extracurricular, or personal in nature. They will provide direction and motivation as you rebuild your identity. Break down large goals into smaller, manageable steps to make progress more achievable.

Explore new interests: Engage in a variety of activities and explore different subjects or areas of study. This exploration can help you discover new passions, talents, or strengths. Join clubs, participate in community events, or take elective courses that align with your interests. The more you explore, the more opportunities you’ll have to shape your identity.

Seek support: Don’t be afraid to reach out for support from friends, family, teachers, or mentors. They can offer guidance, advice, and encouragement as you rebuild your identity. Connect with like-minded individuals who share your interests or goals. Surrounding yourself with a supportive network can provide valuable insights and help you stay motivated.

Learn from setbacks: Understand that setbacks are a natural part of the learning process. If you encounter challenges or face failures, view them as opportunities for growth rather than defining moments. Learn from your mistakes, adapt your approach, and develop resilience. This mindset will contribute to the reconstruction of your identity.

Redefine success: Take time to redefine what success means to you. It’s essential to

focus on your own personal growth and progress rather than compare yourself to others. Celebrate small victories along the way and acknowledge your efforts. This positive mindset will support your journey of rebuilding your identity.

Embrace your uniqueness: Remember that your identity is unique to you. Embrace your individuality, strengths, and weaknesses. Recognize that it’s okay to have evolving interests and goals. Embracing your uniqueness will help you build an authentic identity that reflects your true self.

In the pursuit to redefine my identity, I plan to focus on embracing change, explore new interests, and seek support. First, moving from classroom teacher to college instructor. I will be teaching at a local college and supervising pre-service teachers. For fun, I will work as a personal stylist at a clothing store. Finally, I will pick up my chalk pastels and work on creating more pet portraits and exploring other media art. But first and foremost, I will seek out family, friends, and the WSST community for support on my journey. Rebuilding your identity is a personal and ongoing process. It takes time, selfreflection, and a willingness to explore and adapt. Embrace the journey and enjoy the growth that comes with it.

Self-reflection: Take time to reflect on your personal values, interests, and goals. Consider the aspects of your identity that are important to you. What do you want to achieve professionally? What subjects or activities spark your passion? Understanding yourself better will lay the foundation for rebuilding your identity.