Slowing for Momentum

Dear Teacher,

Several years ago, I accompanied a fifth grade field trip to

Charlotte, NC. Home of the NASCAR Speedway, an obvious

"educational" must-do for this class of mostly boys was to tour the

NASCAR Hall of Fame. As a testament to stock car racing, we

entered the track-shaped building to learn about the drivers, crew

chiefs, and broadcasters who contributed to the sport. As part of

our tour, we walked the banked Glory Road lined with racing

vehicles dating back 75 years. Students joined the "Pit Crew," to

try their hand at changing a tire at lightening speed. Next, they

"soaked up" a history of motorsports in the High Octane Theater.

But the hands-down favorite experience of the day was the Racing

Simulator.

The Racing Simulator offered, at a costly per-ticket investment, the

opportunity for students to get behind the wheel of a NASCAR stock

car replica. After clambering into the cars, kids competed

against 15 other competitors in a side-by-side race to the virtual

finish line. With every curve in the track, all the action was

broadcast on a giant 50-foot overhead video screen.

After watching the first few competitors, I, too, squeezed into the

caged driver's seat and placed my surprisingly sweaty palms on

the mock steering wheel. "I've got this," I cajoled myself, holding

tight to the knowledge that I had 30+ years of actual driving

experience advantage on my 11-year old competitors. In a flash,

the checkered flag waved and we were off! I gunned it, easing out

into the lead as novice drivers quickly spun out and crashed in the

median. However, as I gained momentum, I realized something

critical: If I didn't slow down for the sharp 36-degree slopes of the

simulated speedway, I wouldn't be able to speed up in the

straightaways. I quickly learned to brake in anticipation of the

curve, so that I could safely navigate the bends in the road and

then slowly increase to build momentum for the finish line (If

you're wondering, I came in second, graciously forfeiting my

almost-win to another chaperone).

And you, Teacher, there in your classroom, are in your own race-

to-the-finish-line of summer. You likely feel squeezed into the

driver's seat of your Educator role, holding tightly to the

knowledge that you have a lot of experience. And yet, as you gain

momentum with curriculum, behavioral management strategies,

and student rapport, you've also realized something critical: If you

don't slow down for the curves, you won't be able to speed up in

the straightaways. So when life slopes hard to the right with the

demands of health, family, and capacity, hit those brakes! You

may have to downshift for medical appointments, or self-care, or

marriage repair. And when life slopes hard to the left with

workplace trauma, or position changes, or moving to a new place

of employment, pump the brakes so that you can safely navigate

those bends in the road! Do it! Don't take the risk of spinning out

at the costly price of over-investment! Once you're on the other

side, the road will be there waiting for you and you'll eventually

build momentum to celebrate your successful completion of a race

well done!

Rounding my own life-curve,

Mindy

Christian Educator & School Counselor