Humble and Kind

Spending the past few days in Dallas visiting some of my favorites, I was reminded of the joy that is country radio. Scanning through the stations and hearing multiple country songs - familiar and new-sounding brought me warmth and comfort. There's something about a familiar lyric or just the way country music in general can pull you back - in time, into a specific memory, or at times articulate deeply held values and where they come from. I was almost brought to tears listening to "Humble and Kind" on repeat as I journeyed back home.

"Don't hold a grudge or a chip and here's why: bitterness keeps you from flying. Always stay humble and kind."

The beauty I see in this simple yet profound lyric reminds me of who I - and we all - are and can be at our best.

Institute Season

Walking into the office I immediately felt giddy. As faces, some new some old, entered the room, I began to imagine it was already summer. I saw new relationships form, old relationships reunite, no one sitting alone, and hugs. So many hugs.

Yesterday was our first institute staff conference, officially kicking off "institute season." Given that this is now my 6th dose of institute, it won't surprise anyone to know this time of year fills me with a type of joy that is unparalleled. Here are a few reasons why:

• Feeling "All In". Maybe it's because we're all together for such a short time at conferences, or that way know we only have a set amount of weeks, but you can just sense the feeling that everyone present is "all in" which then allows for some of the deepest friendships that I have to this day - oftentimes I feel that institute friends know me at a deeper level than many folks in "real life." 
• The people. Institute staff are just the best. They are teachers, coaches, grad school students, college interns, and full time TFA staff that can't get enough of our incredible corps members. They are fierce, passionate, kind, humble, and as I mentioned earlier: some of the best friends you'll ever have. Also, you get to live with them in a college dorm/suite. #sweetestlife.
• Growth City. I can attribute so much of my professional and personal growth to my summers working at Institute. I've always felt the leadership team's belief in me and the courage to push myself beyond what I thought I was capable of. Institute is where I learned to coach for the first time, where I learned to lead a team for the first time, and I think where I gained about 83% of the confidence I have today. 

Cheers to the start of a beautiful institute season! #grateful.