Why is it “Sapling & Sage?”
After I had decided to embark on my personal special educator journey, finding a name for my entity felt (relatively) easy. Those who know me know that, at any given moment, I am happy to discuss plants, growth mindset, or both. The more you think about it, the more you start to understand that a learning journey is a growth journey.
Back in the 2010s, I was, how you say, GOING THROUGH IT. I was experiencing big shifts in my life, navigating tough rooming situations at college, and trying so hard to find my footing. My boyfriend’s mom (now my mother in law) planted a seed in my brain: “Go back to your roots. They will always be there.” That was the perspective shift I needed. I started to go back to the people and places that, no matter what, will always represent my foundation. My mother in law, Debi, has a way of talking people through big life changes. She is also a special educator, so she also knows how hard it is for some when routines change! She compared my next steps forward as a tree: I can branch out, I can drop some leaves, I can grow new ones, my “bark” will heal over time, and when things are tough or scary, I can always go back to my roots.
When the temperature drops and the trees sense a change, they begin to move their energy inward towards the trunk and roots. They drop their leaves, allowing the harsh winter winds to pass through more easily, and they put their energy into their foundation: a strong trunk and roots.
I find this process fascinating and so enlightening. It brings me comfort in times of change. It reminds me that new seasons sometimes bring about new changes. Some habits and projects need to be dropped in order to let the challenges breeze through more easily. It leaves room for hope and reminds me that there will be a season soon that involves the energy being put pack into new leaves, new projects, new habits, and new growth.
Each student of mine is a sapling. Their roots and trunk may not be super strong yet, but with the right support and resources, they’re on their way. Will there still be seasons of hardship? Of course. Is there still room for hope and growth? You bet!
