Two Questions

When I taught high school English, at the end of every year, I would ask my students, “What went well that I should continue to do? What would you like to see me change?” In response, my students gave me very valuable feedback that I always used to improve learning. for the next year’s students.

Then I left the classroom to go into administration, with no end of year. The mistakes and omissions I made followed me, and I never had the sense of new beginning.

Now I realize that, in any situation, I can ask those same two questions. They are relevant for jobs, for marriage, for relationships, for volunteerism. Two simple questions to restart and refresh.

Nancy Oelklaus is the author of Journey from Head to Heart and Alphabet Meditations for Teachers. Her latest book, Simple Serenity, will be published in the first quarter of 2022.