Hello, Kuwait! مرحبا الكويت!
Yep, you read it correctly. I am headed to Kuwait! But wait—I just got to Mongolia! I know, I know.
My time in Mongolia was short-lived, but nothing about the lessons and experiences here were limited. I have learned so much about myself and the type of school leader I aspire to be during my time here.
Before coming to Mongolia, I doubted myself and my potential—probably too much. I knew my passion, abilities, and future career goals, and could ride them to the edge of the cliff. But when it came time to jump off the cliff and soar to higher heights, I was hesitant as to whether I would fly, or if I would crash and burn. I’m sure we’re all familiar with imposter syndrome. If you suffer from it, please know you’re not alone.
However, what I’ve come to realize is that one of the best ways to learn and grow is through mistakes, through trial and error. What I’ve learned is that I cannot be afraid of failure; I simply must welcome and expect it, and then embrace it as opportunities for growth. As they say, experience is the best teacher.
With that being said, I look forward to applying all the lessons and experiences gained here in Mongolia toward my new role, as I embark upon a new position and promotion.
As if me titling my blog “The Bossy Principal” wasn’t enough of a hint—I am blessed to announce that I will be the founding principal at a brand-new school in Kuwait for the 2020-2021 school year! I look forward to the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of opening a school, literally being there from its ground-up inception (the school is still being built as you read), and watching students walk through those doors for the very first time this coming school year.
Not only was being a principal one of my career goals; I also desired to be a principal/educator abroad, as well as contribute toward opening or founding a new school. I’m telling you—when you make your wishes plain to God, along with put Him first in your life and find joy in Him, He can match His will with your wishes, and will surely grant you each and every desire of your heart (Psalm 37:4 & Matthew 6:33); I’m living proof.
Starting this new position in a new country was already going to be an experience, but due to COVID-19, Kuwait schools will not begin the 2020-2021 school year until December—which will be even more of an experience. I feel my entire journey as an abroad educator has been quite the story thus far. I mean, who knew the world would undergo a whole pandemic while I am thousands of miles away from family & friends for the first time ever?
But this just goes back to a previous paragraph of putting and keeping God first. I can honestly say that throughout this entire abroad experience, with COVID-19 and all, I have been at peace! Things surely haven’t been perfect, and life has thrown some curveballs, but I am so proud of how I’ve handled each speed bump, and I know I couldn’t have done it without God on my side; I find my joy and peace completely in Him.
Given my growth that took place in Mongolia, I can only anticipate more growth to come in Kuwait. As my time here in Mongolia is winding down, I have been talking to many of my friends from home over the past couple of weeks, and they just keep reminding me that I’ve prayed for this. I’ve talked about this (for years!). I’ve always desired to make this move abroad, but allowed so many factors to hold me back—one of them being the fear and doubt I spoke about earlier.
But what I’ve concluded is that this move was personal. This move was necessary. This move was needed to jumpstart my growth. And that’s why it was so difficult—because sometimes, the very thing we need most is the hardest to do. My friends described the growth they’ve seen in me since I moved almost 10 months ago (life hack: get you some friends that can speak into you; that will speak some real life and real truth about yourself to you). And I just think about what a disservice it would have been to continue denying myself of not only what I wanted, but what I knew I needed.
I needed a new atmosphere for new experience. I needed to prove to myself that I could follow my dreams.
I needed separation for growth.
As I embark upon my new role as principal and new life in Kuwait, I welcome continued lessons, experiences, and growth. I look forward to sharing my stories about principal life, and how I plan to make this journey uniquely mine. The Bossy Principal shall be in full effect; I hope you will join me on the ride!
