an affair of the heart.

summer session one is almost complete. classes are finishing up by the day. all that's left are the papers and a research presentation before the grades are final and we move on to whatever else is to come.

but i don't think the material we have covered (in a hurried state) this summer can be left behind with our worries of the past month.

the final line of "the leadership challenge" states it quite plainly... "leadership is not an affair of the head. leadership is an affair of the heart." and this concept truly realizes my thoughts of the summer.

with every passing day i'm realizing my true passions. i'm realizing that just because i think that i want something doesn't mean that it's what is right for me (in both my professional and personal life). i may love the "idea" of what i am doing, but it's not what makes me smile. it's not what brings joy to my life. and it's not what makes me giddy with excitement. and as a woman who truly believes that she is a leader and is working everyday to become an even greater leader... it is necessary that i recognize this dissonance in my life.

so what makes me smile? what brings joy to me? what makes me truly giddy with excitement?

good questions for sure. and this could go a variety of angles. but mainly there are two things that make me love waking up...

the eyes of a child when they look up at you. whether or not they have ever seen you.

creating a vision and bringing it to life for other people.

so where does this leave me? (and really, what does this have to do with leadership?).

well... all good questions that i'm still struggling with, but enjoying. and in the magnitude of reflection i have been experiencing as of lately, i have realized that although in so many ways my educational history could be described much like a patchwork quilt, it seemingly all leads towards my varied passions.

high school study which focused on architecture and interior design.

a graphic design major, with a business minor from a liberal arts institution. (although i almost had a math minor, a psychology minor, and a poly-sci minor).

and now (god willing) a masters in educational administration for student affairs administration... while working in campus programming.

so where does this lead me? and where shall this leader roam on in life?

maybe elementary education. in an inner city... where i can be challenged daily to not think of myself, but rather to realize my life is for something greater.

maybe on to working with a politician and planning events and programs.

maybe on to law school... with a focus in educational policy.

and maybe, just maybe on to working at a college or university in campus programs.

now i wait. and see. and constantly wrestle with the reality that i must follow my heart. for it is only through being in love and staying in love with what you do that you will truly accomplish great things. (and i want to accomplish amazing things).