Beginning in Turin 16 years ago, through Vancouver, Sochi, and Pyeongchang, Sean White has dominated the sport of snowboarding in a way unfamiliar to the Winter Olympics. In the youth-centric sport of snowboarding, at the age of 35, White has already won Gold in three previous Olympics and had his eyes set on a fourth.
It did not happen. White took a tumble on his final run to finish 4th, just outside of medal contention.
Immediately after falling, Sean stood up, paused for a brief moment as if to acknowledge what was happening, and slowly walked down the half-pipe and into the next phase of his life.
During a long slog of interviews in which he swung from laughter to tears and back again, White said, "I'm proud of this life I've led, and what I've done in this sport, and what I've left behind."
Sean’s career provides the perfect reminder that there is so much goodness to celebrate in our past, but his decision to not finish the run and "walk the walk" reminds us of the greatness in our future.
Lately, I have been looking at my career as an act of personal growth. I've been looking back at what I've experienced and done over the past three-plus decades. But, more importantly, I have been looking forward to what has yet to come and the pathway I want to follow. I am far from done, but closer to the finish line than I am the starter's gun, and that experience provides me with the perspective and experience to do different things.
My journey has been ever-evolving: teacher, department chair, construction coordinator, Assistant Principal, Scott Lang Leadership, and Be Part of the Music. My role seems to change about every seven years, but my home of music education has remained constant.
I suspect Sean will never leave the sport of snowboarding. It is a passion that is all-consuming and will be a part of his life story, much the way music education is for you.
Still, his journey will take him through different phases: enthusiast, rabid fan, young professional, world & Olympic champion, sport ambassador, and businessman. I don't know if even he knows what's next, just that next is here NOW!
I don't know where you are in your journey, but I suspect if you look back, you will see the different stages clearer than you can see the destination looking forward. Perhaps this blog/group is a place to brainstorm and think. A place to look for counsel and seek advice. A trusted place to dream and plan for your "next."
For the past couple of years, I knew a change was on the horizon; I just didn't know when or what it would be. The pandemic for me was what the Olympics were to Sean, a clear sign that a change was imminent if not pre-ordained.
When asked what it all meant, his eyes were as red as his hair as he explained, "You're watching it — these younger riders. They've been on my heels every step of the way, and to see them finally surpass me is, I think deep down, what I always wanted."
It was about leaving the sport in a better place than he found it and finding joy in seeing the success of others. He realized that as his physical skills declined, his mental skills increased. He seems to understand that the scope and size of his impact are evolving to a whole new level.
Some of you are in new phases of your careers and embracing new challenges, while others are in the throws of chasing the elusive art of the perfect lessons. Either way, like Sean, you are leaving the profession and your students in a better place. Tackling new challenges, training your replacements, and celebrating their successes. When you get to that change moment (new position, job, role, responsibility) be sure to rise, pause, and walk down your half-pipe.
Have a great week.
-Scott
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