After three moves and three schools in 22 years, we were moving again.

As a special education teacher, finding a job was not usually difficult. This move was different. I received no responses to my applications.

My husband found and shared a job posting with me. He was the big-picture thinker and my biggest advocate. “You can teach anyone.” Sometimes we don't give ourselves credit for what we know.

The post described a special education preschool assistant teacher position on the campus of Mississippi State University. The assistant teacher descriptor didn’t throw me. Getting a foot in the door leads to new opportunities.

But preschool? Children 18 months to 5 years with disabilities? 

My certification was PreK to 12. I hadn’t changed diapers in 13 years! My experience was elementary-level mild disabilities. Some of these children were significantly impaired…. and babies. These children couldn’t tell you they didn’t understand.

I had nothing to lose. I interviewed successfully and was offered the job on the spot. Actually, they offered the position of teacher. I needed time to realign my mindset.

I told my advocate husband about the interview and program tour. “Sounds like a good opportunity.” That’s when the words of my new life mantra fell out of my mouth.

“Yeah, I guess I could do anything for a year.” 

I was half jesting when I said it. I took the job. My year grew into four of the most educational and inspirational years of my career. My skill set grew exponentially. I gained knowledge I continue to use today.

I rely on my mantra for many new adventures. The timeframe changes depending on the adventures - job, pilates, writing.

My mantra reaffirms a life lesson. You'll never know until you try.

366