A pandemic. A war on racial inequality. Countless natural and man-made disasters.

Amidst all the struggles and strife of our current world, it’s a bit awkward to admit that I most recently experienced one of the very best years of my life.

It actually started in the fall of 2019 when I enlisted a life coach to help me address the gaping hole and nagging itch I was sensing in my long-time communications career. The main benefits of that coaching? A loyal and wise mentor, some invaluable self-awareness, and a passions statement that continues to drive any and all of the work I pursue:

With words as my primary medium, encouragement as my primary motive, and structure as my primary context, I am passionate about taking part in and creating learning experiences, celebrating uniqueness, and helping others recognize divine and personal meaning.

So where did all of this lead in more practical terms? After more than twenty-five years pushing key messages and getting swept up in the PR spin cycle, I abandoned business communications for the appeal of middle schoolers. Yep, middle schoolers—mouthy, pimple-faced, quirky, smart, beautiful, deep-thinking middle schoolers. Simply put, I love loving them.

On Monday, I will begin my second year as an AVID tutor through a local school district. AVID, which stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a class elective that prepares middle- and high-school students for college success. To that end, I facilitate presentations and group discussions on the students’ points of confusion and curiosity—questions and ideas they bring forward for deliberation. Talk about a rich learning experience for all involved, including me!

Then, on Tuesday, I start another job as a one-on-one writing and study-skills tutor for students with various learning difficulties, such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and ADHD. My prayer? To encourage young people who are often criticized for their uniqueness and discouraged from approaching their schoolwork in ways that really mean something to them. Indeed, this prayer is my passion!

I am ready. I am pumped. And I look forward to resurrecting this blog to share insights and resources from this new season of writing, learning, teaching, trying, caring, etc.—of following my truest passions. Thank you for reading!