In the spring of 2022, I was at a crossroads. I had just semi-retired from my role as a school principal and was looking for a way to celebrate. My good friend here in my community of Lake Havasu City, AZ said she had a friend in northern California who was looking for a cabin mate for a cruise she was going on in February 2023. She thought going on a cruise would be a celebration break for me to get away to mark my semi-retirement.
The idea of spending a week with complete strangers was daunting, but the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone was too enticing to pass up.
The Three Cs of Community
To embark on this adventure, I needed three essential qualities:
- Courage: It took courage to say “yes” to a cruise with strangers, especially when I was accustomed to a structured routine.
- Compassion: I had to be compassionate towards my cabinmate, understanding that she was also taking a leap of faith.
- Collaboration: While I initially resisted the idea of attending meetings and events, I eventually embraced the opportunity to connect with other women and collaborate on new projects.
From Cruise Ship to Bestseller
It was during those meetings and events on the cruise that a remarkable idea emerged: to write a book together, an anthology that would share our stories of community impact. Our book, “Power of Community: Courage, Compassion & Collaboration Leads to Success,” became a #1 International Bestseller, solidifying the power of connection and collaboration. With the shared experiences and collective wisdom of the women in our community, I recognized the need for a platform to support and empower educational leaders. School Founders Academy was born out of this shared vision, providing a space for educators to connect, learn, and grow together.
The Lasting Impact of Community
The bonds we forged on that cruise continue to strengthen. We regularly connect through Zoom calls and have planned a reunion cruise in November 2024. This experience has taught me the invaluable lessons of courage, compassion, and collaboration, and the enduring power of community.
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