Cathy Nelson’s Professional Thoughts

2 incidents–and I’m thinking…

This evening I was reading my reader, and branched out to comment on Mr. Granito’s Blog. You see, he was lamenting many variables about testing that he cannot control, like what kids bring to school with them as a mindset on test day. I tried to relieve his concerns with a comment and then cheer him on with an upcoming really cool project we (mostly he) has planned. But I wanted to assure him that I’d be there to help, which made me think of this song.

Also this afternoon, I relieved some concerns for a group of 8th graders who came a couple of days ago looking for cool sound effects to use in their skit for English. As we looked online, we found many–for sale. And much of even those were blocked. The boys left disappointed but vowing to get their sound effects from home, even it meant making them on their own. I contacted higher ups, and was promised a cd of sound effects by Friday. I expressd as much to the teacher over this skit project, who responded with a lot of shocked thanks and she wished she had thought to collaborate with me from the get go on ths project. She had no idea the lengths I would go to meet their needs. Afterall, it wasn’t a research project. The boys returned this afternoon just before dismissal, upset b/c they could not get their edited sound effects (I guess they could not wait for the promised free ones Friday) off the computer they worked on. Of course I suggested they save it and let their teacher fish it off the network, but they turned away, had a small chat, then turned back to say they were not on the network, and their work was on a computer with no CD or floppy. (Of course I’m wracking my brains b/c I can’t figure out what computer is in the building that wasn’t on the network or even able to log in, but usable. No matter, it was time to go. So I asked guys if it had a flash drive port, which brought smiles all around. I assured them I’d make sure they had a flash drive firsst thin in the morning, so the happily left. (I really don’t think they’ll be back to get one from the library, but I helped them think up a solution-I imagine if they did not have one this afternoon, they will bring one tomorrow. Note: They have my curiosity piqued, so I’ll be sure to go and hear their sound effects, and beg to see the skit. I also now want to check what workstation in my building will not get on the network–a ws with no floppy tells me it is NOT old.)

It is days like this when I realize I am in the perfect job. My job allows to me to be a point of need type person. Teachers, students, and more seek me out to help them think through their problems. I spent the morning helping Granito by seeing a program get loaded on al workstations for his project newt week. I worked with our resource office to video a one act play for a presentation planed next week. I helped some guys think through their dilemma. And I boosted the morale of a teacher worrying of uncontrollable things. I even sent this one a link to a song I remembered from my elementary years!

“I’ll be there….”

The more I thought about the song, the more I realized the words really fit and describe how I feel about my job…what it is I’m supposed to do. It’s weird, but this is really why I love my job. I do what I do because 1) I really want to help, and 2) I really want to see others be successful.

So I ask you to listen to the song. And remind yourself if you are in any position that allows you to serve your entire school environment, you should feel just like this–here are the words:

“I’ll Be There”

You and I must make a pact, we must bring salvation back
Where there is love, Ill be there

Ill reach out my hand to you, Ill have faith in all you do
Just call my name and Ill be there

Chorus:
And oh - Ill be there to comfort you,
Build my world of dreams around you, Im so glad that I found you
Ill be there with a love thats strong
Ill be your strength, Ill keep holding on - yes I will, yes I will

Let me fill your heart with joy and laughter
Togetherness, well thats all Im after
Whenever you need me, Ill be there
Ill be there to protect you, with an unselfish love I respect you
Just call my name and Ill be there

Chorus

If you should ever find someone new, I know he’d better be good to you
Cos if he doesnt, Ill be there

Dont you know, baby, yeah yeah
Ill be there, Ill be there, just call my name, Ill be there

(Just look over your shoulders, honey - ooh)

Ill be there, Ill be there, whenever you need me, Ill be there

Don’t you know, baby, yeah yeah
Ill be there, Ill be there, just call my name, Ill be there…

Do not read this as a love song to any one person, but rather why I help the ones I work with. A very large part of my job as a teacher-librarian is to teach students and supplement instruction through partnerships, collaboration and support. This song totally nails it for me, huh?