{Keep Moving Forward}

I didn’t think I would have the gumption to share this but with the thoughts over last week’s events consuming my 5 mile run this morning, I figured I had nothing to lose.

Yesterday, I received my rejection letter in the mail from the MCEC. Only a handful of people know that I applied for this position. The MCEC was very specific with the qualifications they were looking for in a candidate. When I read that I qualified for the position, I decided to jump in with both feet (I tend to this A LOT). It was a very quick process for me. I literally only had 2 days to fill out a 7 page application, find 5 professional references, and write a 2-3 page essay explaining why I would make a good candidate as a military student transition consultant.

I sealed my package in a Fed-Ex envelope and mailed it overnight to Texas. I wanted to make sure that the human resources department had it before the deadline. As soon as the package left my hands, I smiled to myself. The whole process was a huge step for me. For the first time since I began my journey into the teaching world, I put myself on the line outside the realms of my school walls. I poured my whole heart into my essay. Yes I have had to write my fair share of essays. Over the course of teacher preparation, I have had to write my own personal teaching philosophies breaking them down by subject matter. Although these are pieces that I treasure, this essay was different. Using words, I had to share myself with people I have never met, people I might never meet. I explained who I am as a person, why I have made the decisions I’ve made, why education is so important to me, and more importantly what my goals are when it comes to my life as an educator. Although I had hoped to get a call back, I told myself that if I didn’t, I had nothing to be ashamed of because my path is clear. It may be windy and even bumpy every now and then but, it has always been clear.

I was shocked when I got the phone call that I would be the first applicant to interview. Of course I was excited and nervous and just about every other emotion you can think of. I have been a stay at home mom for over 12 years. The last time I interviewed for a job, was in the 20^th century!!! 

I was able to open up and share my fears and hopes with some of the people in my life. The words and encouragement I received throughout this process have been overwhelming!!! My sister-in-laws words “they need YOU!” My friend in California who has been my military wife mentor called the position “The Shannon Mall”. Some of my friends who literally have become my family here in Louisiana had such encouraging words to say during a lunch date. My husband, who knows exactly where my heart lies shared that this position is a calling for me.

If any of you end up reading this, I can’t even begin to express how grateful I am to have you in my life!! Your words and your support are something that I treasure and carry with me every single day! Thank you!!!

I prepared myself as much as I possibly could but honestly I had no idea what to expect. When I arrived, I felt confident in myself and my abilities. I knew that I would be going up against others who had “more experience” than me. I knew that mother, housewife, and college student were only going to get me a smile and maybe even a handshake. Nonetheless, I walked in extremely positive and happy because honestly I was proud of myself for making it as far as I had. Just a year ago, I wouldn’t have even qualified for the job. To be able to apply for and then be considered for the job, says a lot about how far I have come and how hard I have worked.

I was interviewed by a panel of 8 representatives form the Barksdale/Bossier Parish area. My interview lasted about 40 minutes. I will never know how I did during the interview process and honestly I’m okay with that. I gave everything I had when I walked through those doors. I was honest and sincere with my words. I was able to share personal experiences and express to them why I feel a position such as the MSTC is needed.

As the week went on, I knew in my heart that I didn’t get the job. When I got confirmation, my heart was crushed but my spirits weren’t. Truth be told, as much as I would have loved the opportunity to help military children and their families, my heart belongs in a classroom. That is where I have ALWAYS wanted to be. Being a teacher has been my calling since I was a little girl playing school with my stuffed animals. I have worked really hard balancing and juggling life so that I can finish my degree.

There was one question that was asked during the interview that has stuck with me. I was asked if I would change anything about my life.

The answer is no.

I made the choice after I had Bryanna to stay home and I have never regretted my decision. Going back to school to work towards my degree was something I had in me to do. My ultimate goal was to one day have my Masters Degree. Everything the I have learned in the past 13 years as a mother and as a military wife are invaluable. As Jason begins the journey towards retirement, we find ourselves talking a lot about the who’s the what’s and the where’s. Sometimes I tell him that I wish I would have been more open in the beginning of his career because we might have had the chance to experience life overseas. There is so much of this world that I want to see. I was young and scared then. However, reality wakes me up and I realize that we have gotten more in the past 13 years than I ever could have hoped for as a military family. We’ve been able to experience the east coast, the west coast, and now the south. More importantly, we have been able to be surrounded by our family and friends. Our children have been able to understand what it’s like to grow up with grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins. The world is going to be there for the 5 of us to explore over time but growing up, that only happens once!

As you can imagine, I was sad after I received the news about the job. When I put Bryanna to bed last night she said “Mamma, I know you really wanted to get this job and part of me wanted you to get it too because I know you want to help but I’m glad you didn’t” When I asked her why she said, "Because mom you were meant to be a teacher. God has a plan for you to be a teacher and he will help you get there. Anyone that gets excited about doing homework like you do when you are making your lesson plans is meant to be a teacher. All the kids know you and they know you as Mrs. Mall. Besides it’s my job to help you set up your classroom. You can’t take that away from me.”

Seriously, where did this girl come from?!?!?!

"Around Here, However, We Don't Look Backwards Very Long,

We Keep Moving Forward, Opening Up New Doors And

Doing New Things, Because We're Curious...

And Curiosity Keeps Leading Us Down New Paths."

~Walt Disney