Why I'm Proud to be Bryan's Wife...

Forgive all of the job hunt entries, I just want to write this down before I forget. Last night, Bryan got the email that he did not get the job at Orchard. He was kind of bummed because it would have been so close, and he knew so many wonderful people out there, but also because that meant it was now down to two schools. But, he kept it together and today he interviewed with the Superintendancy. The current superintendant, Bryan Bowles, was my Bryan's old high school English teacher. He also went to school with Bryan's mom and aunt. Fun little history. Anyways, so when Bryan came in, Dr. Bowles told the rest of the committee how he and Bryan went way back, but that he and his mom and aunt went even further back. Funny :)


So anyways, they peppered him with very vague, unspecific educational questions. None of the questions focused on one school specifically. We wonder if that is because they truly are considering him for both schools, or maybe something else. Last year at his second interview, they asked him some specific questions regarding the school he was told he was interviewing for, so he wasn't sure what to make of this seemingly new approach.


After one question they asked him, he knew what the "typical" answer would be, but instead answered it true to his educational philosophy. I believe the question was something like, When a child comes into your office for misbehavior, what do you do? His answer, though I won't do it justice here, gave me goosebumps. I'm paraphrasing, but he said, I remember first and foremost that this child is not below me, but my equal. And as my equal, and as I treat him with respect, I then get on his level to determine where the behavior is coming from, and what I can do to support his success in the classroom. The boy gives me goosebumps, seriously.


Now backing up for a minute, the one thing I have always tried to encourage Bryan to do a bit more is blow his own horn a bit. That goes against every fiber of his humble being. Good thing he has me to balance him out ;) He is not one to pat himself on the back, or draw attention to his efforts, so being in this situation of having to constantly puff yourself up a bit so to speak, it's difficult for him. He knows he is good at certain things, he just doesn't feel it necessary to point that fact out to other people :)


So anyways, at the end of the interview, they asked him if there was anything else they should know. And this is more or less of what he said (although I know a lot of it gets lost in translation)...


"I am one of the hardest workers you will ever meet. My dad taught me how to work, and to work hard, and you will be hard pressed to find someone who works as hard as I do. I have learned from Marilyn [his principal now] though, that it's not just about work. It's about individuals. I have learned from her how important the individual is and how important it is to cultivate those relationships both within your staff, your students, and the community. I know I would be good at this job. I am great with people, and have the ability to make people want to work with me."

They told him they hope to let everyone know their decision by the end of the week, so once again, we wait.



Bryan's comment to me after it was all over was "I left it all up there. I gave it everything I had." And he did...he was so physically wiped out afterwards, it wasn't just words. I know pride is bad, but I seriously just want to shout it from the rooftops, I think he's amazing! He really fought, and I am just so so so proud to be his wife. Whatever happens, I know he has done everything in his power, so it is 100% in Heavenly Father's hands. My prayer at this point is that I will accept that will, whatever it is, with a smile on my face, and peace in my heart.