Change is Coming

     I’ve come to believe one of the most challenging and difficult questions Life asks of us is, “Will you change?” This question has been on my mind quite a bit as I prepare to leave Laraway to pursue new opportunities to provide training and consultation with other organizations in the community and beyond.

     What does it take to make a big change in your life?  Reflecting on the children and youth who have passed through Laraway’s doors, has given me some answers.

     I have learned it’s important to dream. Know your passions and let them run wild.  Imagine a new destination and destiny for yourself.  On the practical side of things, it’s helpful to have a plan for getting through a big change.  A long journey is less daunting when you have a map and compass to help guide you.

     Finally, and I would say most importantly, you’ve got to have a travel buddy when making a change.  The tough times are a little more manageable, the good times are a little more enjoyable when you have someone to walk and talk with you.

Thank you for 20 amazing years of changes!  ~Greg Stefanski

Search Committee Update:

The Search Committee has been busy meeting with staff, reviewing survey results and posting ads for the next Executive Director of Laraway.  If you would like more details or have any suggestions, please send a message to EDSearch@Laraway.org.

Thank you- Anne, Ben, Emma and Rhonda

Student Writing: Meet Math Teacher James Love

By SL, Laraway School Student

 This is about James, a math teacher at Laraway. Before that, he worked at the chocolate factory and still picks up weekend shifts from time to time. I chose to interview James because I enjoy his company. We talked about where he is from, where he has been, and where he is going.

James was born Nov. 10th, 1992 at Stanford Hospital in East Palo Alto, California. He

moved to Vermont with his family because they needed a change of pace. At the time, James was only 16. As he grew up he found out he has a knack for math. “I always liked how concrete math seems. I never liked writing.”

This led him to a career in math and a lifelong interest in games.

In order to get the credentials to use his interest in math as a profession, he needed an education. So he studied math for four years at what was Johnson State College, he also did accounting there for a year before getting a job at Union Bank. He then went to be an employee at a chocolate factory, where at some point a friend referred him to a job at Laraway. Clearly he got the job, that’s how I am able to write this. Interesting, right?

And, as for James, the future isn’t out of his grasp. “I feel like for right now, my plan is to pursue my teaching license, and get a masters in counselling.”  In the future he would like to live in the country or a suburban area because he moved around a lot as a kid. “I would like to have a wife and kids. One maybe two (kids).”

I asked him about his goals:

He said, “Skydiving. I have a crippling fear of heights. I want to tackle that fear…..What is the probability of the parachute not opening?”

To finalize this document, I can tell you that James is a great teacher. He enjoys problem solving and he makes learning fun by integrating games into math. His perseverance helps himself and others. James intends on living his best life; unknowingly he has a huge impact on others.