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A Compliment Sandwich

These last few weeks have been some of the most stressful I've had a in a long time.  The start of robotics competition season was extremely exciting, and as much as I enjoy the process I have to admit it's also extremely draining -- physically, mentally, emotionally.  Add to that my role as a youth group adviser, classes towards my master's degree, and time spent volunteering for the Gifted Association of Missouri and it's a wonder I get any sleep at all; I leave early every morning and never make it home until well past dark.  Once home my mind races with things to do, calls to make, emails to send.  Taking the time to write this post is one of the few things I've done for myself in the last few weeks.

Maybe that's why, then, I received several random compliments and praises today when I needed them most.  I'm not sure I believe in the whole fate thing, though I don't knock people who do.  However, I have to wonder why today of all days.  A parent who had to be asked to get in the incredibly long car line thanked me for asking him to move in such a nice way.  The parent of one of my robotics students graciously thanked me for committing so much of my time to the team.  Another robotics parent made a point to tell my principal that I was doing a great job.  A third robotics parent was impressed with how I communicated with the kids and how I make sure everyone gets to contribute to the process.

Did I share all of this to brag?  No, because those of you who really know me know that's really not how I roll.  Did I share them looking for validation or pity?  No, because those of you who really know me know that's really really not how I roll.  Instead, I'm sharing these things because these are all areas where I've had moments of doubt over the last few weeks.  I always worry about how my words come across to parents and students, especially in times of stress or frustration.  And trust me -- I've had a lot of those times recently.  I left a robotics meeting this week overwhelmed and convinced that we would never complete a working robot.  Parents and students are looking to me to be the fearless leader, and I often feel like anything but. I worry I'm in over my head on this one, and the last thing I want to do is let down these kids who work so hard and give up so much of their time.  Hearing all of these nice things today was the reassurance I needed.  I realize the next several weeks aren't going to ease up on me, but it's nice to know I've got a lot of people in my corner. 

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