You are beginning one of the most rewarding and frustrating endeavors around. Currently, there are over 1100 users for you to take care of and when a problem arises you are the person they will go to. There are days when it seems all of them have problems at once. Don't get overwhelmed, but know that if you don't solve some people's problems as fast as they hope, they will say you aren't doing your job. Don't be offended. Once all is right with their world they will be nice to you again. People are flawed and selfish, even in a Christian workplace. Choose your allies and friends wisely, they will help you navigate this adventure. Don't believe everything you hear about the Building 1 ladies. They are 5 of the kindest, most generous ladies you will ever meet. They work to make the school better every day because they believe in it, not for the money. They are all over-qualified for their jobs. Be good to them and they can work miracles for you.
Be kind to Mrs. Wood. She will be nice to you even if you aren't. She is not only an amazing office neighbor and co-worker, but a wonderful mediator and one of the greatest friends anyone can hope to have. She can gracefully handle teachers you want to shake.
Get involved with the kids, they are what you are really here for. Listen to them when they talk to you, go to the things they invite you to, guide them without telling them they are wrong and always send them back to scripture. 90% of what they tell you is based on truth. If they trust you be ready to be shocked by how lost and misguided they are. Never tell them their coach is wrong, let them discover that on their own. Tell them what their Heavenly Father says about what they are being told, not what you think. You will get to witness discovery first hand. It will take them time to sort through what they have been told being different than what the Bible says and you may never see it, but they do come around. Never, ever give in to pornography being ok. "Life lessons from the tech office" is more than a catchy saying...be a place where the kids know they can come not to be judged, just to be loved but to be held accountable for their actions. Be fair. Make the kids sweep for saying offensive words. You will hear them tell each other in the hallway "that's a sweeping word" and you will know you have them thinking. If they tell another adult they are using sweeping words, be prepared to be disliked but stick with it. You are building a filter in their hearts and minds. Teach them to be obedient because it's the right thing to do, not just so they won't get in trouble. Make the "non-athletes" feel special. It is hard for them to find a place to fit and at the end of the year when they stay behind after class to tell you they always felt important in your room or like they actually mattered, you'll know you did your job well.
You will be asked to make decisions of an administrator, while being categorized and paid as a secretary. You will have no authority. Choose your battles wisely.
You will be shocked at the way people are treated and the behavior of those that are exalted. Always remember you work for God not man. You get the privilege of leading children every day and getting to interact with every single student on campus. Let that be the joy that brings you back each morning. You are the sower and the students are the soil. Plant good seeds in their soul and watch them grow because they will and they will produce some of the most amazing fruit you have ever seen. Even on bad days, love the students, be their example and safe place. You will touch lives and change futures...let it be for the better.
You will hear that there are only 2 ways to leave...dead or unhappy. That is true, but know that before that time comes you will meet some amazing, wonderful, kind people if you look. You are part of something bigger than you and are about to become intwined in the story of hundreds of children and adults. You will see them at their worst, be kind to them anyways.
Enjoy the ride and remember John 8:12 "Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, "I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life."
We need to add Donnie to the blog title!
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