One definition of a metaphor is defined as a figure of speech in which a word or a phrase literally denoting one kind of object or idea is used in place of another to suggest a likeness or analogy between them.  As I journeyed through my coursework I searched for a metaphor which could characterize me as an educator, as a student, and as person interacting with my family and friends. I initially considered utilizing the likeness of a bear, being that I am demonstrative at times.  Yet, somehow I am not as ferocious under the circumstances in which bears attack others.  I tried to utilize the steps on a ladder to convey journey as taking one step at a time. However, there were literally occasions in which I had to step back and reflect on how I was going to approach some of my ideas about research, and educational theoretical frameworks.  In the end, there is only one metaphor which can truly reflect how I operate, in all aspects of my life--weightlifting.  There really is no other term which can truly "denote" a likeness of how I look, how I approach challenges, and how I prepare for upcoming events.

As you can discern, weightlifting is a sport that requires much energy and planning to be successful.  There are athletes in all range of sports who also utilize weightlifting exercises in order to succeed in their sports as well.  Weightlifting requires discipline, as well as patience because goals about strength, endurance, and/or flexibility takes time in order to accomplish goals.  Weightlifting is my metaphor as the above mentioned reasons suggest.  As a child, I did not have many happy experiences, my parents divorced, and my father chose to leave his parental responsibilities.  A remember thinking that if I were only strong enough, I could get a job to help my mom in caring for our family.  As a ninth grade student I remember how important it was for me to lift weights as a way of getting stronger to endure the bullies who took advantage of the weaker students. In due time, weightlifting became part of my natural routine; as a result, I became very strong fast, and I experienced success as a high school football player, wrestler and judo player. As I graduated from high school, it was my desire to perform in sports, but I also knew that it was imperative to earn a college degree in order to avoid the financial difficulties that my mother had to face and was not prepared to overcome.  It was at this point that I utilized the discipline and energy for weightlifting into the classroom.  At first, it was difficult for me to study, yet I understood that I could be successful in the classroom if I put the forth the same effort that I had in order to lift weights.  I began a regimen, a routine that enabled me to experience success and graduated from college with a degree.  Now that I had the credentials to establish an acceptable and comfortable lifestyle, I was able to share my experiences with my wife and give our two children a lifestyle that I was not able to enjoy during my childhood. Also, I would never forget my terrible childhood and I wanted to share how I was able to utilize my talents to become successful. This was my enduring theme as I established my career as a social studies teacher and coach as my wife and I raised our two children.

Teaching and coaching were a way for me to share with my students and their parents how they could establish and enjoy an acceptable lifestyle. In turn, they could be a positive influence for their families. It was not an accident that I was able to become an administrator.  Earning a master's degree was no small accomplishment and I remember being asked to begin the rigors of preparing myself for administration.  However, I was able to utilize the same discipline that it takes for a weightlifter to plan and prepare myself for the next step in my career. Afterward, I was able to earn an administrative certificate and now I have enjoyed my current position an Middle School Assistant Principal. During my career, I have been able to enjoy many presentations concerning my duties as an administrator. Some time ago, I had the opportunity to listen to an exciting and breathtaking presentation by Dr. Hughes as he began his quest to build a doctorate program for educational leaders at St. John's University at the Oakdale Campus. I remember that I wanted to learn some of his technological skills so that I could reach others as an educational leader.  I comprehend the importance of earning a doctorate in educational administration and instructional leadership as a way of reaching many others; I can do so by utilizing the same intensity and perseverance in my planning, my preparation, my interaction with others, and my desire to facilitate a positive learning environment for my students that a weightlifter can perform the exercises as the goals are being established in that area.  I have the discipline, the desire, and the diligence to learn new skills which I have acquired from St. John's University at the Oakdale campus as I will demonstrate on the subsequent folios and pages of my website. Most of all, I will share my educational experience from St. John's University with my students and their parents, as well as my colleagues, and I will be able to show how discipline, perseverance, and desire can be utilized to accept whatever challenges lay ahead thereby enabling them to "get stronger" so they too can enjoy an acceptable lifestyle. 

As you can discern, Weightlifting has been a major part of my life. I have oftentimes been consoled by the exercises and I have learned a good deal about interacting with others in the weight-room.  Much of my positive experiences from my students began with a discussion about my strength and coaching which has emanated from the weight-room. Indeed, weightlifting and other physical exercises are a way of creating a community where individuals may enjoy the camaraderie and rapport with one another as they strive to succeed in their daily pursuits and ultimately share their talents for the benefit of all who interact with one another.