First Round Draft Pick

My son is a huge NBA fan.  He keeps up with players, stats and trades.  It's like he is aspiring general manager and who knows maybe he will be.  It has become a thing at our house to watch the draft each year.  While he is critiquing every pick no matter who takes who, I'm rerunning the Key and Peele sketch in the back of may head.  What if we treated teachers like pro athletes?

I enjoy watching the draft with him.  There is one thing about it that I get and that he doesn't yet at twelve years old.  When those kids in the upper picks start crying when their name is called, I know what that represents. Sure it will means millions of dollars for them, but it also is the reward for a lifetime of work and sacrifice.  Many of these kids are moving so far out of poverty and struggle that it is overwhelming to know you have made it.

Though I did not become a millionaire overnight, I can relate to this rush of relief after poverty.  I remember being drafted by Mt. Vernon Township High School back in 2002.  Lets keep this parallel going.  Based on the number of teaching interviews I had, I was a fourth round pick for the Rams.  They needed someone with a Sociology endorsement and I fit the bill.  This went on to a five year stay and me accumulating a load of good experience and opportunities.  I was then drafted in the 9th round as an administrator by Elverado in 2007.  In 2011, I was drafted by Frankfort CUSD #168 in the first round to be the Principal at Central Junior High School.  Note: This was the only place I had applied that year so "first round" may be misleading. 😊 

While becoming a teacher changed my whole world, there is no reason it can't have the same effect for anyone else wanting to be "drafted" into their desired profession.  Be a first round draft pick.  Work hard without exception or apology.  Know that you are filling a need for the organization.  Recognize and appreciate the opportunities that come your way.  Be the person that wants the organization to win regardless of the role you get to play.  This is what top round players do.  So what are you doing to be the first round draft pick in your desired field?