It is safe to say this winter/spring has been one of the most challenging times of my life. I would be lying if I didn’t question from time to time my decision to go through with this whole education degree. Wouldn’t it have been easier to just find a job in business? Many days I ask myself is it really worth it? Is there a light at the end of the tunnel? Will I ever reach my goal of having my own classroom and leading students? I flat out miss the comradery and team atmosphere I shared with my best friends at YCP. I miss coaching and seeing the energy from the kids at football practice. I miss teaching and leading others. I haven’t had much of that this winter and spring and it has taken a tool on me. I thrive off of it! Overall, it has been a struggle to stay motivated and keep the eye on the prize. As I get ready to finish up classes before this awesome summer ahead, there is one person that has been in my corner through thick and thin; my best friend Emily.
This year being a part from each other has taught me a lot about what it means to have a true, committed relationship. It has taught me about trust, loyalty, and sacrifice. I don’t think I could have made it through this program without her love and support. I don’t know many women that would support their man for over a year while he went on and tried to accomplish his dream. She has stuck by my side and giving me the support I needed every day from day one. Some people ask me, don’t you guys have a hard time trusting one another being so far away for so long? Actually, I believe it has made our trust for each other even stronger! When I do get a chance to spend time with her, it is time that is always shared with laughs and fun and I always look forward to the next time we see each other.
We have now been together for two years and counting! Just wanted to share some things I believe has made our relationship so strong:
· Willingness to sacrifice for one another: If you aren’t willing to give and take in a relationship, it will never last.
· Communicate thoughts: Communication and sharing thoughts about important things are critical in a successful relationship.
· Being able to say sorry: Many people have a hard time saying sorry or admitting they are wrong. One thing I love about our relationship is that we are able to talk things out, admit when we are wrong, and learn from them
· Shared vision and goals: Both people have to be on the same page when it comes to goals. If one is going in a different direction than the other, it won’t work.
· Willingness to learn and improve: A relationship like anything takes time and work. If you aren’t willing to put the time in to improve parts of your relationship, it will never grow and blossom.
· Change it up: All relationships cant consist of staying in and watching a movie all the time. I love that we are both adventurous and want to try new things and see new places.
· Faith: Sometimes when we are down and having a difficult time with life, faith can get us through some tough times. Being on the same page with faith has helped a lot!
Every day I am thankful for all the support not only from Emily, but my family, friends, and role models that have showed me how to not look in the rear view mirror, but stay focused on the opportunity in front of me. Really looking forward to all the opportunity that is in front of me to continue to grow and learn as a person. If you are not willing to risk the unusual, you will have to settle for the ordinary!
-RD
