Carla - while unique in so many amazing ways - also reminds me a lot of me in other (less amazing?) ways. I'm not sure how SHE would / will feel reading this statement but I would hope she doesn't mind! Carla joined the teaching profession as her second career, and while this fun fact is not similar to me, since starting teaching seven years ago she is continuously reinventing her practice, either through changing roles or through an evolution towards leadership herself. (At least, this is what I see. Again, I know she knows I hold this view of her but am unsure if she holds it of herself.)
Confident in her practice probably partially thanks to her exceptional organizational and technological skills (not a similarity) Carla is also able to volunteer some of her time to the ATA and other extracurricular endeavours. She keeps an open mind and has a balanced perspective. She can juggle multiple tasks, as evidenced by her Executive position as Local Secretary (although when she has tired of this title I plan to recruit her to our Convention Board and Executive! Worst kept secret now!)
But enough about her professional attributes! The most important thing about any person is their character. Carla is talented and funny. (She can sing and play multiple instruments - she recorded a CD!) She is genuinely kind, interested in other people and has a fun sense of humour. So does her husband, Terry. They are a perfect pair and clearly have lots of fun together. (And, they were married at a more "seasoned" age which is something else I relate to.) Another trait I recognize is her being a sports fan and casual participant. I haven't seen her play ball but if she can bat like she golfs then her team is in good stead.
Of course, her athletic stints can only happen when she doesn't have a cast on her foot or have to rely on a knee scooter to get around! Carla had a little "mis-hap" earlier this Fall, leaving her unable to teach for the term. Hearing she was going a little stir-crazy at home, I "volunteered" her to assist me with some of my Convention Program administration. It was during this visit to her beautiful and "homey" home where we got to catch up a bit. I realized (not surprisingly) how much I like her and miss having her optimistic attitude permeate my world on a more frequent basis. (Which must be where my "recruiting" idea has come from. See paragraph 2.)
Carla is a lovely, down-to-earth friend to so many. Colleagues admire her and students adore her. I am one of those fans!
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