It occurred to me early in the school year that I was choosing to transition out of the classroom for many reasons. The ability to pay for the girlies college being primary, but also wanting to feel that I had reached my fullest professional potential. Bailey made a comment before I even started school in September that stopped me on my tracks. Before falling asleep she will often lean over the bed rail and try to engage in conversation, "momma, what does it feel like to be a principal?" It hit me like a ton of bricks. All the female dentists, doctors, and teachers I had purposely surrounded her with suddenly pailed. It was the thought that I could be the example of a female leader that my daughters would see that brought me to my knees. I have spent so much time studying female leaders and what engages I women and girls, but had missed it in my own home.
I took the munchkins, out of necessity, to the dentist with me tonight. While we waited in the exam room I asked Bailey if she'd like to be a dentist when she grows up. Nah, she answered. An architect, nah, a teacher? No, then yes, a teacher. Then she changed her mind and said, "I want to be what you are." I thought she meant an assistant principal, or a tiny principal as she shared with a friend's mom. Nope, she said, "I want to be the one who tells the teachers what to teach, like you!" The best was she took it further and told me she'd be better than me and take my job, complete with evil laughter. Amazing dream come true.
