Waiting on the Sidelines

 

Some days life is about waiting on the sidelines. My son wanted to play football ever since third grade. The problem was he was the skinniest kid in his class. He did end up playing football in third grade. However, during a scrimmage, he got tackled by a much bigger kid than he and ended up in the hospital with a concussion. That was the end of his football career for a long time.

In high school, he decided to play again during his freshman year. This time three games in, a much bigger kid tackled him and he broke his hand in three places. And that was the end of his football season.

In the sophomore year, he tried again. He never got hurt, thankfully, but this time he waited on the sidelines. A lot. It’s tough for a kid who wants to play so badly to have to wait on the sidelines for a chance the coach will put him in. But I believe the lessons learned on the sidelines are invaluable when the time came for him to start. 

I remember the hard work and many years it took for me to become a teacher. The qualifications needed to become certified in New Jersey were rigorous and demanding. By the fourth year waiting on the sidelines by subbing, working as an aid, and completing all of the requirements necessary to become a teacher via the alternate path route, I almost was ready to throw in the towel of my faith in getting a teaching job. It was at that time that I finally got an interview and a special education teacher position offer at the current school where I've been working now for over four years.

In retrospect,  I wish I would have remained an aid or a substitute just a little longer so I could have learned a few more things from my mentors like how to manage my classroom, how to teach with a co-teacher and as an in-class support teacher, and how to communicate effectively with my team.

Taking on this perspective is why I say waiting on the sidelines is a good thing. The learning received while observing and watching others will help guide you when you finally do get the position of your dreams.