It Takes a Team: Reflections

By: C. Lyles

Many folks see the final product: images of Ms. Lyles at a school speaking to students, but so much more goes into presentations and talks. I would be careless if I didn’t take time to thank the other folks that help make the presentations and talks happen.

Ms. Lyles speaking with Upward Bound
students (Photo: H. Armstrong).

Mr. Armstrong’s experience as a counselor and currently as a director gives him great insight on what students need to hear. He generates ideas for talks, including my most recent “If I Knew Then What I Know Now” presentation to Upward Bound students. He even challenges us to discover and deliver what our schools need; my Vashon High School talk “What to Do When You’re Waiting to Go to College” falls in that category. The leadership that occurs behind the scenes is a major factor in getting the job done.

Ms. Lyles with Vashon H.S. seniors.
(Photo: H. Armstrong)

Another behind the scenes yet crucial source of support is Mr. Bullard. If you’ve read about him in “New Kind of Jack of All Trades,” then you know he has no shortage of talents. His technical expertise helped me put on my previous talks. A laser pointer and clicker and back-up laptop alongside a projector are all in his technology arsenal. He also photographs, video records, and edits footage from events to add to the HEC Upward Bound archives. The old adage says, “If it’s not documented, it didn’t happen.” Mr. Bullard helps make sure the happening happens. 

Though a person sees a particular staff member in an image, video, or at a presentation, remember that it takes a team to get the job done well. I’m grateful for my team.