My good friend from Port Jervis Schools, Heidi Nyland, is turning 50 this year. Heidi and I have worked together for just under 20 years. For most of that time, she was either my fellow Assistant Principal, or my Assistant Principal when I was the Principal of the High School. Heidi and I have been through the ups and downs, the good and the bad, the celebrations and the sadness.
Having long-term relationships like these with people that I have grown to be very close to over my time in Port Jervis is truly wonderful. Heidi is a dedicated professional. She gives her all to the school, her family, and the interests and activities of her children. She is smart, assertive, and has the most incredible care for children.
Here are a few things I’ve learned from working with Heidi that I’d like to celebrate as she turns 50:
Support: Everyone needs different levels and types of support. Some people like a more hands-on approach, while others prefer more space.
Not every nail needs a hammer: Heidi has an incredible knack for knowing which kid needs a hug and which kid needs a stern talking to. She has supported so many kids and adults over the years and I’ve watched her do it with different styles and grace, knowing who needs what.
GSD: Heidi is the captain of the GSD club in Port Jervis. A group of dedicated adults and kids who get stuff done. Whether it’s packaging up a Thanksgiving meal, setting up the stage for an event, or taking care of things in the office. Heidi continues to get it done in many areas and ways.
Work in front of the curtain and behind the curtain: Heidi always allowed me to lead. She did not want the microphone or the spotlight, yet she was working hard behind the scenes to support me and make sure I had everything I needed to be successful. One story that comes to mind is running the scholarship night ceremonies. There were always a lot of moving parts, guests, envelopes, and money. Whoever I was introducing, or whatever I was sharing, Heidi had the script there for me, her trademark pink pen, and whatever I needed next to make sure the night was a success. She always had my back.
Enough!: One time I was getting absolutely blasted by someone and I was doing my best to just sit there, actively listen, and take it. After a few minutes, Heidi stepped in front of me and literally yelled ENOUGH! She knew I didn’t deserve that, and in that moment she protected me. It took a lot of guts to do that. I’ll always remember that. How do people act when you are down or in a bad spot?
Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty: I remember asking Heidi in her original interview how she would handle a severe fight. I was concerned about needing a larger, more physical person to help me with the major issues we were dealing with at the time. I asked, what would she do specifically if there were two big kids fighting in the cafeteria and I wasn’t available. She said I would jump right in between them and break it up without missing a beat. I was impressed by that, but those were just words.
Well, literally in the first month of Heidi being on the job that’s exactly what happened and Heidi literally jumped in between the two of them and broke it up on her own. She put her words into action, which I thought was tremendous.
I wish my friend a 50th Happy Birthday and thank her for her support over the years in Port Jervis. Port Jervis Schools is in a better space and place because of Heidi Nyland. Happy Birthday HEIDS!
A question for you the reader? How can you support others in your relationship with them over the long haul?
Keep surviving and thriving friends.
