One of the most talented and dedicated educators I’ve ever worked with was Barbara Gajewski. I had the privilege of calling her a colleague for several years when she served as the college counselor at our high school. She was exceptional at her job—so exceptional, in fact, that everyone wanted her time.
Parents lined up to talk with her about scholarships. Students depended on her for letters of recommendation. College admissions officers called constantly. I know she spent hours on weekends crafting those letters, carefully telling each student’s story. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen someone work harder or care more.
One day, I was sitting in her office, and she shared something that has stayed with me ever since. She wasn’t trying to give me advice. She was simply reflecting on her own growth. But because of the respect I had for her, I took those words to heart.
She said,
“Danny, I used to get so frustrated. The constant interruptions drove me crazy—students stopping by, teachers popping in, phones ringing nonstop. I had so much to do, and it felt like these distractions were keeping me from doing my job.
And then one day, I realized something important. Those interruptions… were my job. That person on the phone or standing at my door is important. They deserve my attention and my energy.”
I remember sitting there, struck by the power of that insight. And I’ve thought about it many times over the years.
Because let’s be honest—you’re busy. Your to-do list is long. Your calendar is full. And it’s easy to become frustrated by the constant interruptions that pull you away from what you planned to do.
But what if those interruptions aren’t distractions at all?
What if they are the work?
Never underestimate your ability to make someone’s day in a brief, unplanned moment. The student who lingers in your doorway. The teacher who needs just five minutes. The parent who calls with a concern. These small moments can become big memories.
You never know which interaction will stay with someone for years.
You never know when a few minutes of your attention will change the course of a day—or even a life.
So embrace the interruptions.
Lean into the unscheduled conversations.
Make the most of the moments you didn’t plan.
Because those just might end up being the most important moments of your day.
Cheers,
Danny
P.S. I love helping educators overcome Passion Drift! Check out the video to see what that’s all about.
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