"The Distance from Where I Started" by David Bullio

"The Distance from Where I Started"

by David Bullio

When I reflect on the professional goal statement I wrote for my Master's Program in April 2007, my goals have stayed the same but I now carry a deeper meaning of what it will take to achieve these goals. At the time I wrote that I wanted to move into an administrative position and this is a goal I have retained. However, my desire to quickly move into a leadership position has waned, as I have witnessed a bit more of what administrators at different levels in an organization are expected to commit to before they are given the "keys to the Benz", so to speak. I also realize now, more so than I realized then, the importance of being surrounded by good fellow administrators and teachers. I used to think before entering this program that I could be a strong leader that could defy difficult circumstances from "above" and "below" on my own if I needed to, but I have come to realize that the proper support from fellow administrators and teachers plays a crucial part on what I am actually able to achieve. Hence, I now have a greater appreciation and understanding for the power of shared leadership, as well as the value of being surrounded by a great group of educators.

Another goal of mine when I entered the program was to start a school here in Japan. This goal too hasn't necessarily changed but the reality of how difficult this task will be has presented itself in full-view recently. I live in Tokyo and this would be the spot to start a new school as there are an abundance of international families present. However, more so than ever, I have realized the main difficulties that present themselves have to do with financing as well as the competition from the other international schools in Tokyo. In spite of this, I still have hope for this goal as there is an insatiable appetite to learn English in this country and Tokyo is home to a number of global corporations. I still hold out belief that perhaps one day I will meet the right people who will be interested in financing such a project and that I can play a central role in starting up a new school.

In conclusion, I just want to say that my goals have stayed the same but that I have a much greater appreciation for what it will take to achieve these goals. When you are young you think you can tackle anything and that you can do it on your own. Helping Canadian International School achieve WASC accreditation as well as helping it become an International Baccalaureate school has taught me that starting up a school and getting it to where it needs to be is a very difficult task that requires an enormous amount of time and support. Combine this with what I have learned about Leadership in my Master's Program, and I now have a much clearer perception of the commitment required by me to become a principal and/or a school owner.