#BTColumn – Archetypes

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by this author are their own and do not represent the official position of the Barbados Today Inc.

by Julia Hanschell 

As this academic year winds down, I am filled with profound gratitude for the amazing people with whom I work. Our paths only cross in the hallways on most days; if we are lucky, we occasionally spend five minutes chatting in the lunchroom.

Many do not realise how much of what they do, and who they are, filter down through the positive evolution of the actions and attitudes of their students, eventually coming to my attention as Principal.

So, today I am musing on archetypes and how different personalities beautifully co-exist within a school, with each one adding their own special dimension, their own distinctive personality, to the group which is constantly examining, ‘Why are we here?’ This year we say farewell to a Matriarch whose generous wisdom has added a dimension to the lives of young teachers who have not yet ‘seen every star pitched’.

We will miss her knowing smile and uncompromising devotion to growing young minds.

She has shown us that we are never too old to learn, or share, something new. She has modelled to us all that excitement in teaching creates enthusiasm in learning.

We are all deeply grateful to our Sage to whom confidentiality is sacrosanct. She is the one to whom teachers, parents and students offload their troubles; a gifted strategist who sees situations from an objective distance. She shares her secrets only with the ocean where she finds solace and renewal.

This year, our Mothers have nurtured, defended and grounded us daily, sharing their truths clearly and kindly. They have created safe spaces in which we can learn and grow, thereby becoming the best version of ourselves.

They have been our stability, bringing us insight and illumination; comforting us as we face our inadequacies and guiding us through change and into new direction. They have shown, by example, how to establish heart-centred relationships with others.

Then there have been the Huntresses among us – those independent women who pursue life on their own terms.

Competent, confident and focused, they take risks and align their passion with purpose. They are the natural protectors we all need in our lives.

Complementing the team have been the Healers who have demonstrated unconditional love, compassion and connection with those seeking solace and the Muses, who have unlocked authentic self-expression with their gifts of communication, honesty and discernment.

The Innocent archetype has been of inestimable value in our team – loyal, optimistic, and guided by a strong moral compass; always free from corruption or influence and working to bring harmony to the lives of others.

There is never any agenda; only authenticity. The Innocent doesn’t always realise their significance to others. Seeing the good in people is a divine gift which has provided the balance we needed when faced with conclusions borne of misunderstanding.

We have also been fortunate, to have had among us this year, the Explorers, Magicians, Warriors and Heroes.

We have watched our Explorers on their personal journeys, relishing the thrill of experiencing new things and acting with initiative, curiosity and independence. Candid and focused, they will forever be entirely themselves, committed to helping others to discover and express their individuality.

Our Warriors have consistently stood up for the rights of others and for the things they personally believe in. Able to maintain composure and never panic even in the most trying of circumstances, Warriors possess a gift for quick, rational thinking and they fight for worthy causes – and in a school these are many, never-ending and varied.

There is no doubt they will leave a lasting legacy – every student deserves a champion.

My greatest blessing as Principal, however, is that I have had the privilege this year of working with many Heroes. They have all risen to the challenges and instinctively sought to protect and inspire others.

Their determination to leave the world a better place than they found it, means they have been prepared to personally sacrifice in the process of overcoming obstacles. Our Heroes have ‘saved the day’ in both big ways and small. There is no doubt that they all possess a great talent, an inherent ability, that separates them from the rest of their contemporaries.

Valuing the strengths of others, while acknowledging, but never dwelling on the fact, that we all have a ‘shadow-side’ is something I think a great deal about. I am a Disruptor who rebels against the status-quo.

The Magicians on our team have gifted us with their wisdom, thoughtfulness, reflection and healing. Contemplative and transformative, the Magicians have instinctively manipulated the elements with their great power to create.

Highly sociable and very sensitive to the needs of others, their true value has been that of harmony and collective consciousness within our group.

Our Magicians have helped students transform their world, improving their quality of life and inspiring their excitement in dreaming that anything is possible.

I am hard to work with because I will do whatever it takes to overcome odds, inspire others and instigate innovative change. I love my people completely; there is nothing I would not do for them. This year I salute them all; my gratitude overflows.

Julia Hanschell can be contacted on smartstudying @gmail.com.