Reflecting on the Path to Resiliency

This month at a staff meeting our principal led a talking circle, and I wanted to share a thought I had on the topic of resiliency.  We have been looking at resiliency as a theme at our school, and I find in the area of learning resource that resiliency is so important for students to develop.  As I listened to our staff share I reflected on my thoughts, and knowing that I work with some of the students who experience the most amount of barriers and challenges, that their resiliency needs to be truly fostered.  I wondered how I could articulate what my role in this process is?
 
As I thought about what I wanted to say I reflected on times that I have lost sight of the path I am on and began to struggle. I have been fortunate in my life to have wonderful personal and professional support networks that help me, and I realized that I offer this to my students.  As an educator I can be the calm and supportive presence that provides direction to the path of resiliency when students have lost sight of their progress.  This is one of the reasons I enjoy my profession so much.  When a student who has struggled finally says, “I can do this!” and truly believes they can overcome barriers, it is a gift to watch.
 
What supports your personal resiliency and how can you bring it into the classroom?

---