Submitted by Lynette Holmes That woman--the right woman--who has shown up in my life at the right place and time was Linda O’Carroll.
It was the very beginning of my teaching career back in 2001. I had just graduated college with my bachelor’s degree in education, and I got a job teaching in the Bronx, New York for the NYC Department of Education. I’d secured my first job in education, and Linda was my assistant principal, my immediate boss. She was more of a leader and big sister than a boss. I worked for Linda and, over a short period of time, we became inseparable; I came to find out that we only lived about 10-12 minutes from each other. We both commuted about an hour into work each day, so we joined up and began commuting to work together.
During those daily drives to and from work, Linda would talk to me about life! I learned of her many experiences--good and bad--and I learned about her many years in the field of education. She always gave me sound advice in managing my work and taking time for family! Teaching can dominate so much of your life-- students with their issues/concerns, demanding parents, demanding administrators, and paperwork--so much goes into the profession that it can be overwhelming and take up the bulk of your day so that you begin to lose your sense of self and family.
Linda was the first person that I encountered who taught me how to balance work and family as an educator. She showed me how to sit back and take in all that mattered around me and in my life! Linda was also the first person to tell me that she saw in me the potential to be an excellent administrator, in time. She was always honest and upfront with me, and she never used her power or position to intimidate or bully others; trust that she certainly was a force to be reckoned with in our field. Anyone who knew Linda loved and respected her.
Although it took many years for all she said to me and did for me to resonate, it eventually did resonate. After being in this field for what is now my 19th year, I can finally say that not only did I begin to sit back and take in all that is around me--family, career—I began my journey to become the administrative leader that she knew I could and would become over the course of my educational tenure. I am proud to say that I completed and graduated my administrative course this May of 2020.
Sadly, Linda passed many years back, and I did attend her memorial service in Bronx, New York with her husband, son and countless former colleagues who all loved and respected her as much as I did! I hear her whispers of encouragement and advice daily in my ear as I navigate through the challenges and successes of my field.
Linda was and is indeed a “Phoebe” in my life!
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