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My Story or Yours?

The Glue–The Heart of the School–The Staying Power

Deneen R. Young

Friends Select School - 23 years - “The Power to Stay”

215-561-5900, ext. 3118

“Disclaimer: “The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in these materials are those of the speakers/authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of ADVVIS or its member schools. Additionally, nothing herein constitutes legal advice."

Walk away feeling lighter, empowered and be a catalyst for change!

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Our norms–when we gather amazing things can happen!

Double Confidentiality
Lean into discomfort
Respect each others questions and comments
Pause in between speaking–our stories matter–our words matter
Try to mitigate sidebars while we are together
Politeness at its best
Most of all let’s lift one another up!

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Meet Deneen

Lifestyle Coach

Spin Instructor

Fitness Coach

Row Instructor

Motivational Speaker

Assistant Registrar

Administrative Professional

Entrepreneur

Health Advocate

Clean Eater

Mother

Woman of Faith

Wife

Woman

Educator

Black Student Union Co-Advisor

Board Member

Friend

Free

Christian

Lifestyle Coach

Sister Friend

Sister

Accountability Partner

Proverbs 3:5-6

Psalms 139:14

Recent College Graduate

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And Some Days – I’m still ME!

Depressed

Overwhelmed

Too Busy

Low Self Esteem

Confused

Needy

Faculty Requests

Work

Student Support

Someone Venting

Not my tears again

Tears

I need I need I need I need I need I need I need

What about my needs

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The Glue–The Heart of the School

Place your hand on your heart. Feel that? That’s called purpose. You’re here for a reason!

Don’t Give Up!!!

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LifeStyle Change - Ready=Set-Go What is your story

How do I live Intentionally in my community?�Because you matter. Have a made up mind. Plan, prep and prepare it all.. Life with a purpose! S.M.A.R.T. Goals - S. (specific) M. (measurable) A. (attainable) R. (realistic) T. (timely)
What is Clean Environment vs Healthy Environment?
Simple�Temple Care: Mind, Body, Spirit for Life. Changing the mindset to being healthy (quality of life over quantity). This includes eating healthy and moving your body, a lifestyle!

1. Intentionally Living

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The Clean Environment

Our needs: Clarity, Systems, and Minimal Friction.

In some school communities, "mess" is often systemic. A "clean" environment refers to the removal of administrative clutter and "invisible" labor that holds us down.

Role Clarity: THE GRAY–Knowing exactly where your job ends and someone else’s begins.
Efficient Systems: Do the tools (software, filing, communication) work for you, or are you working for them?
Communication Hygiene: No "urgent" emails at 8:00 PM; no "quick asks" that take three hours.
Physical Space: A desk and office that isn't a dumping ground for the school's miscellaneous problems.

QUESTION: In your daily workflow, what is the 'clutter' (a process, a habit, or a task) that drains your energy the most?

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The Healthy Environment

Focus: Sustainability, Boundaries, and Vitality.

A healthy environment isn't just about the absence of stress; it’s about the presence of support. For an overworked admin, "healthy" means the job doesn't come at the cost of their well-being.

Psychological Safety: Can you say "I’m at capacity" without fear of retribution?
The "Flow" Factor: Having chunks of time to actually complete tasks rather than constant "firefighting."
Reciprocal Respect: Feeling that the school values your time as much as the teachers' or administrators' time.
Physical Vitality: Does the workspace allow for movement, hydration, and real breaks?

QUESTION: What is one 'healthy' boundary you wish you could set tomorrow without feeling guilty?

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To the one that is labeled…

Aggressive: Keep being assertive.

Bossy: Keep on leading.

Difficult: Keep telling the truth.

Too much: Keep taking up space.

Awkward: Keep asking hard questions.

Timid or Shy: Keep affirming yourself.

Please don’t shrink yourself to make people happy. Be yourself, be present and be YOU.

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Vision:

Vision is not only about the goals we set—

it’s about what we truly choose to see,

how we perceive, and how we show up.

Sometimes you must

Hurt in order to know

Fall in order to grow

Lose in order to gain

Life’s greatest lessons are

Life’s greatest lessons are often� refined through pain, shaped by experience,� and strengthened through perseverance.

At the center of it all—relationships and connection matter most.

Tips:

Always think about the presentation and positioning of your future and how you want to be seen.
Start your day knowing something good is going to happen.
Give yourself more credit for how hard you work.
Move knowing a new chapter will begin, keep showing up life will reward you.
Know you are always a work in progress.
No matter what YOU can face IT.
Make the day great but say it!
ALWAYS know you have something important to contribute to the world!

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Departing Notes

Quick life recipe

Overthinking = WRITE
Stressed = GO for a WALK
Anxious = MEDITATE
Angry = Listen to MUSIC
Lazy = Reduce SCREEN TIME
Sad = EXERCISE

Spend time alone reflecting on what you see for your future. Write it down.

Plan, prepare, write it down and repeat. Intentionally live on purpose every minute every breath.

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Thank you!

Let’s stay CONNECTED…