Thursday, July 12, 2012

I Got A New Job

This week I received pretty great news.

I got a job offer. But, not just any job. The job.

The job that's a career-changer. The job that makes you feel like a "real" grown up.

It’s a position as part of the leadership team for a very popular and successful charter school network in NYC and NJ that works to close the achievement gap. I’d be working in an elementary school, directly with the principal and other school leaders. And I’d be supervising the teachers, observing them in their classrooms and providing them with feedback/suggestions to improve their classroom management techniques. I’d also be developing, implementing, and maintaining school-wide programs in order to sustain a positive school culture. Pretty warm-and-fuzzy.

The position combines my love for (and experience with) urban education/teaching and counseling. (And the paycheck makes me smile. A lot. #ImJustSaying)

I was so excited when I got the call from the principal offering me the position that I may or may not have said, "Get outta here! Really?!"

But I digress...


This is pretty much my dream position. So much so that when I finished grad school last May, I added this exact position as something to accomplish while I was putting together my Five-Year Plan. I figured I’d work really, really hard for the next five years or so, hone my leadership skills and all that jazz, and then apply for the position. But, if I can’t see my greatness (even right now), how can I expect others to see it?



FOUR rounds of intense interviews later (one that included me teaching a lesson to a class of summer school students while the principals and school leaders watched from the back of the classroom, taking notes) and here I am.

Success.

I didn’t tell anyone that I was applying for the position. I wanted to trust my own intuition on this one and follow my own instincts. 

So one night, I filled out the long, extensive application. Quietly. Confidently. 

When I had a moment of doubt in my abilities after the first round of interviews, I told one friend: L. Over margaritas at happy hour (there's always a happy hour involved), she encouraged me. She's a Heaven-sent.

And the bottom line is this: I worked really hard to get to and through Columbia – as an undergrad and in grad school. I worked really hard as a NYC public school teacher and as counselor. And the shindigs that I had in between only helped me to hone even more skills.

Proper preparation.

As the saying goes, "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity."

I don’t share all of this to toot my own horn. That's not really my style. I share it to show you that dreams really do come true and hard work really does pay off. Always.

And… there’s no time like the present to buckle down, grind through, and pursue your dreams. There's no time like the present to be purposeful with your time and lead a fulfilling life, in every way possible. 

And to think that just 2 ½ years ago my life was like this.

Game over.

Aiden and I are moving onward and upward. 

[A and I walking across the Brooklyn Bridge. Symbolic, in so many ways.]
And walking into our season.

34 comments:

  1. I can't tell you how much this pussy had motivated me to keep grinding and how elated I am to see things moving in favor of you and Aiden having a comfortable lifer. God bless you in this new endeavor!

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  2. That's awesome! This post was so motivating! Congrats on your new position. Like my Mom always, "What God has for you, is for you and no one can ever take that away." I hope you get a chance to celebrate this weekend!!

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  3. Congratulations! I'm so happy for you and Aiden! I love reading how hard work always pays off. Best of luck to you on your new job. xoxo

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  4. This is so awesome Alicia, congratulations!! Sounds like you've been working so hard to get to this exact moment. Great things are in store for you and Aiden for sure!

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  5. Toot on Alicia! I'll toot for you. Toooot tooooot...Alicia and Aiden coming through! This a great opportunity. I feel like I just got a new job! This is awesome. I could see you doing this for the state in the future. All your hard work is paying off. Thanks for being a great example.

    I like they saying you quoted, "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity."

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  6. Girl, I am so happy for you! You DESERVE this and have worked so hard. I am so proud of you. Wishing you all the success in the world xoxo

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  7. hey, even if it's not your style, you have all the right to boast and be very, VERY proud of yourself!! Good job! I hope all your dreams keep coming true!

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  8. Yahoo - congrats. I know what it's like to find not just a job but THE job and to feel complete. This is wonderful news.

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  9. Alicia!!! That's so awesome! Congrats to you! You totally deserve it!

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  10. Words can't express my true happiness for you. There's nothing like walking into your dream job AND being paid well for it. Well done, Sis!

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  11. Just seeing this -- sounds like an amazing job & how awesome that you've achieved it so soon -- CONGRATS! You deserve it.

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  12. Excited for you and so well deserved. Hard work and smarts pays off.

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  13. Alicia,

    Congratulations to you and Aiden. You are one motivated and inspiring Mama and you're appreciated more than you know!

    Can't wait to see what you'll accomplish next!

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  14. Congratulatons! What an exciting position! You deserve it!

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  15. SPLENDID! CONGRATS ALICIA.. ALL THE BEST!

    MRS JACK OF ALL TRADES DAILY where Fashion and Food collide!
    New post : TAILORED SHORTS AND SAIL JACKET
    http://mrsjackofalltradesdaily.blogspot.com/2012/07/tailored-shorts-and-sail-jacket-little.html

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  16. That is AWESOME! So Happy for you!!!

    www.cancerinthecity.com

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  17. Congrats! So proud of you. I agree that if we don't believe in our own greatness then we can't expect others to believe in it either!

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  18. I am so happy for you and Aiden! You are such an inspiration to him and so many others. Keep walking and never, ever look back! Muah! xoxo

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  19. Well deserved! Congratulations! So happy for you!

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  20. Praise God!!!! This is amazing news, and i am SO happy for you sis!!! (((hugs))) Congratulations!!!

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  21. Alicia I am so proud of the mother and woman you are! And so happy that I know you, you are inspiring, keep on shining!

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  22. That is so awesome, congratulations! And I love the quote: "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity."

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  23. Congratulations!!! I love that closing picture :)

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  24. This ... makes me smile ... a lot. Congrats, Alicia. Determination pays off big time for you!

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  25. Congrats Alicia...that's pretty awesome!!

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  26. congrats..and if your school ever needs e-rate, send me an email!

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  27. FABULOUS NEWS! I can attest to your incredible ability to buckle down, be thorough, and do a job beautifully. I hope this doesn't mean we will be losing you.....

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    Replies
    1. That's from Karen (www.achildgrows.com)

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    2. Not at all! I'll still be on board. And thanks for the congratulations, Karen!

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  28. I am so happy for you! This is a true testament to hard work, faith and diligence...it does pay off big dividends if you stick with it. The sky is the limit for you and you darling little man. You deserve it all.

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  29. My first time visiting your page and I'm so inspired. Last year I decided to go back to school and finish my degree in Human Services. You are an inspiration to believe in the possible :) Congratulations!

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  30. This is awesome! Congrats! I love what you said about luck. Hard work really got you to this point.

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