“My Supports”
When I reflect on the emotional supports that surround me on
a daily basis, I think of my three wonderfully, supportive children. They encourage me, help me around the house,
love me unconditionally, and are my greatest supporters. My parents and siblings, although they live
far away, support me with frequent phone calls and encouraging words. My friends support me by being good listeners
and advice-givers when I vent my frustrations and concerns about numerous
issues concerning my personal and professional life. My colleagues support me by offering advice
or a good laugh when needed during an especially challenging day at school. I cannot begin to imagine my life without my
family and friends. They are truly a
blessing, and their love and support have carried me through many difficult
times. In teaching, it isn’t uncommon
for turnover to happen. I enjoy having a
good working relationship with my co-workers.
I have seen too many instances of unhealthy working relationships that
were very unproductive for everyone involved. So, although my co-workers may vary from year
to year, I try to form good relationships with them and would not enjoy going
to work without their support.
Other practical and physical supports that get me through
the day are my computer, cell phone, and car.
The computer/internet keeps me updated on what is going on in the world. It also helps me stay connected to friends
through the use of email. The
computer/internet also enables me to continue my education by taking online
classes. In addition, my cell phone
enables my children to text me when they get home safely from school, which is
a great support to me. Finally, my car
enables me to get to my job, to take the children to school, and to get to the
places in which we need to go such as the grocery store, the doctor’s office,
church, and sport’s practices/games.
*Imagine yourself with
a specific challenge, one that you do not currently have.
“What would I do if tomorrow my health was taken from
me?” This is a concern that I have often
thought about when I learn about other young teachers being diagnosed with
different forms of cancer. “What would I
do if that was me?” Supports that I would want and need would be emotional,
practical, and physical. I know for a
fact that my family would rally to my side.
They would come to emotionally and physically support me and the
children. They would take care of the
daily workings of the household such as the cooking, cleaning, and the
shopping. They would help to ensure that
the daily events would carry on as usual.
I know that my friends would offer support in taking me to doctor
appointments and making sure that the children got to their normal daily
events. I feel certain they would make
food and offer to help around the house.
Some teachers offer their sick days to help cover another one’s
absences, and some teachers help by doing the lesson plans for the substitute
teacher in these instances. The benefits
from all of these supports would help to ease my mind so that I could focus on
my health and recovery. Without these
supports, I think I would be overwhelmed by the enormity of the situation. I
would not be able to be productive to my children, to myself, to my job, and to
my recovery.
