This year, USD 489 kicked off the school year by inviting all faculty and staff to attend a motivational workshop, and they asked yours truly to provide an inspirational message.

I was so honored and a bit nervous to speak — I mean, what could I say that could be memorable and interesting for a group of about 500 people? My ancestry has a long line of teachers, (I compared my grandmother to Laura Ingalls Wilder after hearing some of her stories), so I truly wanted to do my best.

I set out like most people do when they prepare for a daunting task; I looked for ideas to “borrow” from someone famous or really smart. Thanks to Robert Fulghum’s poem, I shared with these talented folk my version called, “What I really need to know, I learned from a Pop Tart.”

You see, I was first introduced to Pop Tarts in college, but didn’t start toasting them until I was way into my professional career.
For 10 years, I placed my tarts into the slot, and then I tipped over the toaster to get them out. For 10 years, I burned my fingertips and left crumbs everywhere with each Pop Tart toasting experience.

Until one day, a fellow coworker suggested something profound. She said, “Why don’t you just turn the Pop Tart upright?”

I had always placed the tart sideways, and not once thought about how easy it would be if I turned it the other direction. (Trust me. I’m still getting teased!)

As much as this experience makes me smile to this day, I realized some interesting aspects that I shared with the USD team and will share with you.

• Life is about perspective — by looking at a problem in a different way, however small, you can bring about great change.

• Education never ends — you can learn from any one at any time.

• Life’s little moments can be profound.

• Accept life’s humbling moments with grace and humor.

• Find joy and wonder in the simplest of acts.

To all those experiencing the joy of going back to school, whether you are a teacher, parent or student, may this school year be the best one ever!

Tammy Wellbrock is executive director of the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce.