Today was an exciting day for me! Creative Teaching Press made the big announcement that I am their new Creative Consultant! I am also the voice of their new blog, Inspired in Style. Honestly, I can’t read the press release without crying. I know I am overly emotional kind of gal, but I still can’t get over that this happened to ME.
I can still remember my interview with Grand Blanc Schools 15 years ago. One principal asked where I saw myself in ten years. I wondered why she asked me that. I started to even giggle a bit. “Where do you think I’ll be? In a classroom teaching.” I thought to myself.
I often think about that question and how silly I thought it was. I don’t think it’s silly anymore. I am older and wiser now – I also understand more about life. When you are young, you think you can go plan out your life and everything will go according to that plan.
From my own experiences, I’ve discovered life just doesn’t work that way. The different experiences you have along the way can sometimes change the way you feel. Meeting someone unexpectedly can also change the plan. My plan changed BIG TIME!
Sometimes, I just sit and reflect on how I ended up HERE. I never expected this in a million years. When I do reflect, I can see where there were pivotal moments in my life that made me change “my plan.” I thought that I would teach little kids FOREVER. Back then, I didn’t even know there were options for teachers. If you chose teaching, you were a teacher for LIFE.
So, here I am with TWO blogs. Just two years ago, I couldn’t even save a file on my computer, now I live on it. My designs were in a catalog that went out to 500,000 people. I have this gigantic Schoolgirl Style shop in my basement. I’ve hired an employee. Me? A business owner? C.R.A.Z.Y.! I also resigned from my teaching position.
Now, I am hanging out with these great people from Creative Teaching Press AND they all live in Huntington Beach, California. Really? Isn’t that where the Hollister cameras are?!? I am flying to places that I’ve only dreamed of. I didn’t even own any luggage before this.
All of this seems like a dream.
This is why I am so emotional. My life has changed dramatically. I feel so lucky. I feel so proud.
I want all of you to realize that you don’t know what your future holds. You may have something amazing awaiting you, just right around the corner. Take risks. If you aren’t happy with your life – change it. Follow your heart. Listen to what your conscience is telling you. We all make our own happiness and we all have the ability to make our dreams come true.
You are truly an inspiration to teachers around the world. I like you thought once a teacher, always a teacher. My life is changing, and I feel that new opportunities await me. I hope I will be as blessed as you are in that God will show me the way to bigger and better things. God bless Melanie!
Melanie,
Wow, it sounds like an exciting and emotional day!! That is so wonderful that you have really put yourself out there and allowed your talents to take off! I agree, I LOVE teaching, but now I am also aware that there are so many other amazing opportunities out there for teachers! You are having a positive impact on so many people, and I know that lots of us are very thankful for all the time and effort you put into sharing your wonderful ideas! Congrats again on your exciting new adventure! And I love that song as well! Always leaves me teary-eyed!
We are so proud of you! You are amazing and I am lucky to have you as my “sister”! Congrats again my dear!! We love you!
You are an inspiration! Dare I ask, “Where do you see yourself in ten years?” Reading your words made me think of the unimaginable dreams of a little sea anemone from Rainbow’s Landing by Steve Tiller. One of my favorite picture books!!! The message, “Choose your path, ride the tide, and dig in deep!”
~Loved reading your post!
Cheryl
Primary Graffiti
Your press release picture is GORGEOUS!! You are an amazing person. I will now be stalking your other blog too!
Oh Melanie…What a BEAUTIFUL post!! I am SO, SO happy for you!! Watching this video totally brought tears to my eyes and made me hug my girls a little tighter as we venture into so many changes! I adore you, Melanie….simply adore you!!
The Moffatt Girls
Congratulations, Melanie.
Yes, there are many avenues for teachers. Teachers have so many skills that other professions never offer nor grant the experiences. Teachers are peace makers, economists, presentation specialists, negotiators, organizors, designers, space architects, family counselors, decorators, health advisors, and, in addition, and including and not limited to: learning facilatators. I’m happy for you that you’re using many of your experiences and and your determination to share your knowledge with so many people. Creative Teaching Press is a wonderful company with lots of great up-to-date products, and a friendly and knowlegeable staff. If anyone on your blog is interested in purchasing CTP products, we sell almost everything at the Parent Teacher Tech Center in Brighton, MI. Drop in some day. I’d love to meet you. Marcy Aller, owner
Melanie, I am so happy for you and so proud of you! Enjoy it. I hope we get to meet someday soon.
“She believed she could and so she did.” I always think of you every time I read that quote. So proud of you friend. 🙂
Girl, Congratulations! What an accomplishment, and this is just the beginning!! I’m so excited for you!
All Good Thoughts!
Laura
Melanie..you’re an inspiration to many teachers! I LOVE reading your blog…your story inspires me to believe in myself and do more. 🙂 Thank you!
Yea!!!! Just think – I was “there” in the beginning.
All the best,
Mary
Congratulations!! That is wonderful news!
Dana
Fun in 1st Grade
Congratulations! I am finally going through my emails with blog post updates and I just read the newsletter from CTP! I am so excited for you! You are doing amazing things and I love hearing about all of your exciting new adventures!