Experience can be extremely valuable. I have been at my school, Port Jervis High School now for 15 years. Seven as Assistant Principal, and eight as Principal. I have met tremendous educators who have provided different perspectives, opinions, and certainly advice to me over the years.
One of my favorites was from my friend, former teacher and coach, Ron Semerano. He offered the following advice: “When you’re on the mountaintop, and your view and path are clear, move full steam ahead. When you’re coming down off the mountain into the fog, slow down and grab the wheel. Your path is not clear.”
Port Jervis sits on the beautiful Delaware Valley between two mountain ridges. Whether you’re going East or West, early in the morning, in the fall or spring, you drive down into the fog. Ron wasn’t necessarily talking about the weather, but situations that happened to us in school. When you’re unsure and you can’t see your path, it is best to slow down and hold on.
I take this advice with me even as I move into my 15th year. When you’re heading into the fog and your path is not clear, slow down and grip the wheel. Continue to go and do great work in your schools and community everyone!
Quote: “We all take different paths in life, but no matter where we go, we take a little of each other everywhere.” – Tim McGraw
