What’s your story?

Three head shots of me spanning approximately 10 years apart and the most recent photo of me on the right was taken about 3 years ago.  In my opinion, there is not much difference… except for the glasses.  I’m not even dying my hair.  It’s all natural.  Although my kind sister did recommend “01 BLACK” but I’m saving that for the next head shot.  I was advised to create a new head shot… a photo that would reflect my age???  A bit of sadness, but I do agree.  It will just be another shot of ME, wearing pink, with a BIG smile.  It’s all good.  However, when I look at these photos, I remember the story behind them.  In the first photo, I was campaigning to be the Professional Development Chair of our local union; the second photo was at my 20 year high school reunion in Prince Rupert; and the last photo was my last day of teaching in public schools.  What a diverse set of stories and you would have no idea what those stories were just from first impressions.  We can judge a person from what we see, but not really know anything about them or their stories.  This reminds me of the opening and closing keynote speakers of CSBA 2013.  The Right Honorable Michaelle Jean and Alvin Law both shared a part of their personal stories to school trustees at “Diversity Matters.”  In their storytelling, they emphasized that you don’t know them unless you know their story.  Our experiences shape us.  Don’t judge unless you know.  This resonates with me.  I can think of many instances in my lived experience when I was judged based on my ethnicity, gender, body type, behaviour, or age.  This only skims the surface of how we judge others.  I wonder what the story will be in my next head shot.  All that I know is, I am me… you are you… and we each have a story.