Three years ago, I received a call from one of our new assistant principals. He was going to check out a hybrid program at a university about two and half hours away. He wanted me to apply as well. We hoped to start a cohort of administrators from our district. Looking ahead from the age of 55, I wasn't sure that I wanted to invest five years and the money. I had worked in education for thirty-three years as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and deputy superintendent. It wouldn't add to my salary, and I was very close to retirement. Twenty years ago, I started in a program but found it took too much time away from my children who were 5 and 3. I still had the desire to gain my doctorate. My two children were in college, so my husband and I decided that it was time. My father,then 82, was an enthusiastic supporter. He graciously insisted that he pay my way. My father, husband, and children have been wonderful in their support.
The cohort never came together, and I found myself starting the program alone. I started off taking two summer courses. Many of my fellow students were twenty years younger than I. I was concerned but challenged. I've found that my young colleagues help me to feel younger and more energetic. In an interesting twist, I am currently working with a new crop of young administrators. In the last two years, ten administrators in my district have retired or gone on to lead other districts. I went from being the "average" age and experience level to being the oldest and most experienced. In this role, I am enjoying coaching and mentoring the new generation of leaders. I'm challenged to learn and keep up with educational trends. Working in my doctoral program has given me the knowledge and skills to contribute in a relevant manner rather than just talking about the good old days. God works in mysterious ways. He gave me the opportunity to go back to school and prepare to work with this wonderful, intelligent, and gifted group of young administrators.
