Emotional Backpacks: What We Carry Into the Classroom

Michelle, I know that you've been through big things when you've been in education.

I so appreciate you sharing your story, Nicole.

So many people follow you through our podcast, but they also follow you on your personal account.

And of course, people want to show you the care that you show to others as you and your brother and your family are navigating this cancer diagnosis.

And your brother has the most amazing supportive team beside him.

You are all rock stars and which is so incredible for him and his family.

And at the same time, I know it's not easy to be away and you do feel like you're living a double life and feel torn between being in two different places at once.

Your husband is here, obviously, and your kids, and you want to be alongside them at the same time as, you know, being out there to support your brother.

And I think the plan that you've put in place is so beautiful for all of you where you can, you know, be here, but also have regularly scheduled times with him there.

And you need to try to balance and be both places at once.

But I was talking with a friend the other day who also has a story right now.

And I said, you really don't know how you're going to react or what you're going to do until you're in it.

For me, I can only speak about my personal experience, but you kind of feel like you know everything.

But you don't until you're in it.

And every circumstance is so unique that you you may not know what you're going to do.

And I know you and I've talked about how being in the classroom is so healing, but also so energizing and fueling.

And it's, you know, part of our life.

You know what we would say our purpose right on this planet, but our families do come first.

And I think going into this season, you said it best the other day when you need to not only focus on your why as an educator, but also focus on the who in your life and your family comes first.

I can say that your best may look different, right, than what you're used to, but you're still going to move mountains in that classroom, even on your lowest days.

Even when you feel like you're in a valley, you are still going to move mountains.

And I think it's so tricky for teachers who have to be, and anybody doing work, this isn't just about teachers, but when you are going to your job and you need to be on all of the time, people are depending on you.

And in your case, little people are depending on you.

And I think that's so tricky sometimes to be on when you feel like you're not at your best, but those kids are thriving in your care, no matter how you're feeling.

So Nicole, be proud of yourself for showing up.