I was working with an awesome group of educators and school leaders in Abilene, Texas, at an event back in the fall of 2024. One of the activities that I do with my groups is to ask them to describe the different ways they support their schools, colleagues, and teams.
I was deep in the heart of West Texas for the first time ever, and this group was just so much fun. One woman described herself as a snake wrangler. My head tilted, my eyes widened, and my mouth dropped. I said I didn’t hear the second word, but I did hear the word snake; you’re a what? Everybody was nodding in the room like they knew what she was talking about, but I was clueless. She’s a what now?
She said her colleague called her into her room and said a snake was in her closet. She walked into the closet with a box and a small stick. She gently nudged the snake in the box and took it outside for her colleague.
Again, my mouth dropped! We had a good laugh, and I said we would have to shut down the school if that happened back home in the Northeast!
As I laughed about the incident, it got me thinking that we can all have the ability to help and support one another. You don’t have to have much money, a fancy title, or be super talented at anything in particular. You just have to offer help as needed. I love this quote from President Roosevelt: “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” That’s exactly what this was. This woman knew snakes and was comfortable dealing with them, and it wasn’t a big deal. Me? I would’ve been on top of the desk screaming for help. Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. We all can help one another on our journey together to make schools and education the best it could be!
If it’s a snake, don’t call me, however, if I can help you out in any other way, don’t hesitate to reach out at andrewmarottallc@gmail.com. Keep rolling, friends, and keep surviving and thriving.
**Booking summer and fall engagements NOW! Let’s roll!
