Reflecting and Planning Ahead

Every so often, Google Photos reminds me where I’ve been. A memory will pop up, smiling faces, stage lights, a flurry of costumes and suddenly, I’m right back in the chaos and beauty of another dance show night.

One photo stopped me this week. It took me back to 2013 Pulse II, my spring high school dance concert. I remember being absolutely exhausted that night, cleaning up after the show, helping students find their rides, when one of my special needs dance students, a first-year and a senior came up to me.

She always made me slow down and give her my full attention. She looked right at me and asked softly, “Mrs. Irving, will we have time to talk tomorrow?”

I said yes, not knowing what was on her mind.
She smiled and said, “Because I need the time to tell you that you are the best dance teacher I’ve ever had. I love you and will miss you.”

Cue tears. Immediate, unstoppable, grateful tears!

That moment captured in a Facebook post I made that night still hits me every time I read it. Because no matter how many lesson plans, performances, or PD sessions I’ve designed since then, that simple reminder of connection is what makes it all worth it.

As I’ve been reflecting and planning ahead lately, I’ve been asking myself:

• Did I really take enough time to pause and reflect back then?
• Did I plan with intention, or just run from one semester to the next?
• What was my lasting impact not just on my students, but on colleagues, partners, and communities I’ve worked alongside?

Looking back, I realize reflection is more than looking at what went well or what could improve. It’s about recognizing the ripples, the way small, everyday choices become long-term impact. The way a moment of kindness or encouragement can stick with a student for years. The way one classroom, one conversation, one dance show can shape a life.

Planning ahead means carrying those lessons forward. It’s not just setting new goals, it’s grounding them in gratitude for what’s already been built.

So as I plan for a new season, new students, new projects, new collaborations. I’m reminded that every stage of my journey has prepared me for the next. And the best planning always starts with reflection.