No Matter the Path, We Move Forward

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

- Robert Frost

This is it, folks. I promise, the first stanza of The Road Not Taken is as heavy-handed as I will get. I’ll spare everyone a philosophical dissertation of this experience, but I admit I struggled mightily on how I wanted to close out this campaign. Unlike the poem, I do not get to choose the direction I go. That is up to the voters.

Yet, I suppose that isn’t entirely true. If it turns out that I am unsuccessful in being elected, does that really change the ultimate goal of supporting our district? Of course not.

You see, when I signed up for this work, I signed up for all of it. The good and the bad, knowing that there will be decisions I don’t agree with, and doing my best to set aside my disappointment when there are. Through every circumstance, I am not wired to complain after something doesn’t go my way. I absolutely know that I am not always successful in practicing this, but it is important to recognize that moving this work forward is difficult enough as it is. If I focus my time on moving people backward to right something I perceive to be wrong, then the work does not get done.

Because the truth is leaders can’t do the work on their own. They support, encourage, and challenge those who are under their charge. I love using mountain guides and mountain climbers as an analogy to explain this philosophy. Guides do not climb the mountain for you. If you’re near the summit, pushing yourself through the exhaustion to accomplish your goal, they are right there beside you to give you the motivation you need in that moment to succeed.

In short, it may be a tad misguided to say leaders convince people to follow them and it certainly isn’t about being the smartest person in the room. True leadership isn’t watching from below and tossing a rope after you’ve fallen. It is climbing with you, guiding, spotting, and ensuring everyone makes the summit together. In its purest form, leadership is simply building confidence in others.

Tomorrow, folks in this district will elect me or—barring an incredible write-in campaign—they will elect Jon. No matter the outcome, the work continues. I will continue to show up and advocate for what I believe is in the best interest of our students, teachers, staff, and community. That’s the funny thing about leadership that nobody really mentions. You don’t have to be in a position of authority to inspire others. Anyone can step up and be a leader in our community. I have met so many people who understand that community means more than just their own individual happiness; it is just as much about protecting and helping each other.

Despite the efforts of a few in our community who insist on dampening those ideals, it is worth remembering that there is power in simplification. When framing a complex situation as a win/loss proposition, the fewer choices people believe they have. And that’s the goal, to make you feel like you are alone.

You know what I have learned? We are not alone.

It has become abundantly clear that there are plenty of people who want to see us come together as a district. People want to see us lift up our schools instead of proclaiming they are failing. Who wish to fund our schools as though they want them to succeed. They believe we put the needs of students, teachers, and staff first and that our leaders act with respect, integrity, and compassion. I’ve said it from the beginning, there is so much we can accomplish if we work together. Regardless of the outcome, just remember this:

It doesn’t matter which path we take. We’re moving forward.