This week marks a significant milestone—one year since I launched my podcast! When I began, I had no idea what to expect. Would anyone listen? Would the content resonate with the audience? I’ve been blown away by the response, with more listeners tuning in each week. To my loyal listeners, thank you for making this journey so rewarding. To commemorate this special occasion, I want to reflect on my career as a school psychologist and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.
Finding My Path to School Psychology
Like many of you, I hadn’t heard of school psychology during high school or even early in my college years. My journey began when I took a personality assessment course in undergrad and discovered a field that blended two of my passions: education and psychology. The idea of supporting students academically, socially, and emotionally felt like the perfect mix. This realization set me on a path to a fulfilling career where I could help students find success and joy in learning.
My early years as a school psychologist were a whirlwind. I juggled multiple schools, evaluations, counseling cases, and crisis management. These challenges taught me resilience and highlighted the importance of teamwork and continuous learning. While I didn’t envision staying in the same role for decades, this foundation gave me the skills and perspective to grow in ways I couldn’t have anticipated.
The Power of Lifelong Learning
Throughout my career, I’ve sought opportunities to broaden my expertise and deepen my impact. Whether through a school neuropsychology program, summer workshops on Response to Intervention, or training educators on academic interventions, I’ve embraced the chance to learn and share knowledge. These experiences reinforced my passion for helping students, not just one-on-one but on a larger scale.
Teaching and training were pivotal in my growth. Although presenting to groups initially terrified me, I found immense joy in empowering educators with strategies to support struggling students. Over time, I shifted my focus from individual evaluations to systemic approaches, like MTSS, to reach more students. This evolution underscored the value of adaptability and the many ways we can live out our purpose.
Aligning Your Ladder with the Right Wall
I often think of life and career as a ladder leaning against a wall. For 13 years, my ladder leaned against the wall of being a school psychologist in a district. While rewarding, I eventually felt the pull to explore new ways to fulfill my purpose. This led me to roles at the county level, supporting special education teachers and facilitating their growth. These experiences showed me that the essence of my purpose—helping students—could take many forms.
Reflecting on my journey, I encourage you to ask yourself: Is your ladder leaning against the right wall? Whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned professional, there are countless ways to make a difference. Your unique journey and evolving goals can lead to opportunities that align with your passion and purpose.
This one-year podcast anniversary is a celebration of growth, both personal and professional. Thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to another year of learning, sharing, and supporting each other in our mission to help students thrive!
