By: Blonde One
“I firmly believe that any man’s finest hour – his greatest fulfilment to all he holds dear – is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle – victorious.”
This quote was apparently said by the American Football coach Vince Lombardi. It’s a good quote and one that I’ve had pinned to my desk for quite some time. It reminds me that working hard is a good thing and that success has to be fought for.
Last week was the end of an era for me as I completed my last DofE expedition with my current school. I have fought hard for these expeditions (some might say I have fought too hard and should have walked away about 12 months ago), against obstacles that were wrong on so many levels. Although you might think the quote seems a bit overdone, it was almost exactly how I felt last week at the end of the expedition. The fights that I have fought (and sometimes won) have been battles indeed. I had the satisfaction of knowing that I had given hundreds of students the opportunity to achieve a very valuable Award. I have taken numerous students to various locations across the country and abroad to show them places, things and people that they might never have seen. Through this Award students have found strengths that they didn’t know they had and learned to deal with weaknesses that they thought were too big.I have given my heart to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at the school and last week I felt exhausted (mostly mentally, but physically too). It was worth every second of every day that I devoted to it and I don’t regret it for a moment. The end was emotional for everyone involved but I have walked away with this quote ringing in my ears. I was victorious!
Brilliant! And you should feel victorious and incredibly proud. I don’t know how you do all that you do, along with the day job. Are you moving on to pastures new or just handing over the reigns???
Thanks Rach.
“I have fought hard for these expeditions (some might say I have fought too hard and should have walked away about 12 months ago), against obstacles that were wrong on so many levels”.
That’s the dead hand of public sector bureaucracy for you. The less involvement with local/national/supranational authorities we have the freer we are and can get on with doing useful stuff. Brexit is a step in the right direction.
You have every right to feel victorious you have both done a fantastic job with some awesome young adults who would not be the same without your input.
The sadness is that you have had to fight at all it should be a no brainier .
I have had the pleasure of seeing those young people thrive, grow and blossom into young people with more confidence ,skills and knowledge.
I am sure it’s not the end(I hope) it’s just a siesta.
I think you have done an Outstanding Job enjoy the break xxxxxxxxx
Thank you so much Pauline. Your words are very much appreciated: probably more than you know. I like the ‘siesta’ idea. You too, enjoy the summer. Xxx
Very sad that you had so many obstacles put in the way of what was such impressive and invaluable work. Don’t let it grind you into the dust, though – there are more doors and windows than there are obstacles, when you are ready for them. Meanwhile, enjoy some playtime!
Thank you Starfire.
I for one am very proud of you and all that you have achieved XX
I couldn’t have done it without you. Xx