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We all can make a difference
Published Wednesday, November 7, 2007
When people found out I was giving up my marketing job of two years to go be the school nurse for one of our public schools, well, let’s just say that eyebrows went up and I quit counting the number of times I was asked, “What are you thinking?”
Most people assumed it was for the hours and holidays or even the state retirement.
Yes, those factored in.
But the real reason is one that I am uncomfortable with — one that makes me sound like a fresh nursing graduate from St. Dominic’s who was out to help save the world.
But it is a reason that has come to me with age and experience.
I want to make a difference, I want to leave work and feel like I helped someone that day.
Somewhere along the way in my 25 years since graduation I had become focused on my family and my life. After my husband passed away, I was lucky enough to find jobs other than returning to 12-hour shifts at a hospital.
With the school, sporting and life events of three kids those jobs and the friends I made at them were a blessing to me.
They made it possible for me to work and be a hands on parent, something not all moms are able to do. I worked, went to my kids activities and socialized with my friends. My own safe little world disconnected from the problems of others or our community.
Then one day I got up and my oldest daughter was in Atlanta in graduate school, my son was a sophomore in college and my baby was in high school, very close to getting her driving permit.
And then it hit me. Not only did I miss nursing but I wanted to make a difference. And so when a friend called to tell me she had heard there was opening for a school nurse position, I went to fill out an application.
Here’s what I believe about our town. Everyone in Natchez is capable of making a difference and if we want our town to succeed we all need to do so in our own way.
The gentleman who walks on Melrose-Montebello Parkway every day and picks up trash, he makes a difference. The downtown business owners, who struggle with lack of parking and people shopping out of town, make a difference. The waitress who stands on her feet every day, gets stiffed on tips and still smiles when she waits on regulars and tourists, she is making a difference.
The thing is we all make a difference and most of us don’t even realize it. My being with other people’s kids all day and talking to them is no more important than the stay at home mom who is trying to teach her kids the difference between right and wrong. I think we are all guilty of getting in our own little worlds and we forget that this town cannot survive without all of us.
We have hotel rooms to be filled, stores in which to be shopped and restaurants that need you there as customers. There are public, parochial and private schools that need employees and volunteers. There are jobs to be taken care of and families to love and nurture and not just our own. I have a child who wants to come back to Natchez to live and work and I want Natchez to be a place where he can do that, where he can raise a family and be part of a town full of people who make a difference.
Christina Hall can be reached at christina.hall@natchezdemocrat.com.
Comments
Posted by kpage (anonymous) on November 7, 2007 at 8:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Your goals are the same as mine. When I get the degree I'm working on in Psychology, I want to make a difference in our area, as well. When I tell some people that, they crinkle up their nose and ask, "Why?" I can't understand why someone would not want to lend their talents to their own area! I was told by a very wise person, "There are givers in this world and there are takers. Which one are you?" I think this sums it up.
Thank you Ms. Hall for your inspiration this morning. I needed your positive words to keep me focused on my intentions, despite the naysayers I seem to be surrounded by at times. Best wishes for your future!
Posted by teacher (anonymous) on November 7, 2007 at 7:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with you kpage. I think it is well worth giving back to your community. To Ms. Hall I quit my job and went to the public school system as well. I am now working everyday and going to school at night to further my education. I believe our children are our future and I feel if I can touch one life, going to night school is worth it.
Ms. Hall it was great reading your article. Best wishes and God Bless!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by JunkyardDawg (anonymous) on November 9, 2007 at 9:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Does that mean you won't be writing your articles anymore and giving us all those yummy recipes? I don't take the paper Democrat, but my moma does, and she used to call me everytime she read your articles to keep me updated on your kids and recipes. People love your articles. I've only been reading them since the paper starting putting them online.
Good luck on your new adventure. I had forgotten that you're a nurse. I hope you can make a difference in some young lives.
Posted by kolb (anonymous) on November 14, 2007 at 4:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Way to go Ms. Hall. I used to think that all you cared about was Trinity, Cathedral and Ole Miss. I was so wrong. I admire you for going back to be a school nurse. I am in public education. You will see and hear things in the public school that they did not even think about teaching you in nursing school. I think you will do well.
Posted by CHall1229 (Christina Hall) on November 21, 2007 at 9:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you for the posts. I will still be writing for the paper, it's something I love to do and as long as they let me I will continue. As for my new job, well, you are all correct. It is a challenge. Some days I laugh and some days I am filled with frustration but now everyday I feel like I have done something good.
Posted by gemccull (Gary McCullars) on November 21, 2007 at 10:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Speaking of a recipe, here is one:
Two loaves of french bread
8 oz cream cheese
1 cup of shredded cheese
3/4 cup of sliced green onions
1/2 cup of mayo
1 tbs of Worchestire (sp)
1 pound of deli sliced ham
1 pound of deli sliced roast beef
12-14 dill pickles
Mix cheeses, onions, mayo and Worchestire (sp)
Slice bread length wise and core out the middle to within a half inch of the sides.
Spread cheese mixture on both sides of the bread, layer ham, the pickles and roast beef on bottom slice of bread. Put the top on and wrap in Saran Wrap and refrigerate over night. Slice into finger food and let come to room temp before serving.
Posted by CHall1229 (Christina Hall) on November 21, 2007 at 11:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow, that looks delicious. I think that might a new tailgating recipe for my bunch. Thank you very much!
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