New Identities
My wife and I had our identities taken this summer--twice.
The first time our identity was stolen by a hacker. Control of our email account was taken from us which meant he/she was able to take control of our online shopping account and ultimately our credit card. We had charges on our accounts that were not from us. We made multiple calls to the shopping site, our credit card, the email and internet provider, the state police, and even the FBI. In the end, we spent more than 30 hours protecting our credit, changing accounts and passwords, and collecting and submitting the proper documentation. It was horrible. We felt like we didn't know what to do, and we were worried about what could happen next. My best advice is to change your passwords--frequently.
The second time our identity was taken from us took a little longer. In fact, it took almost 19 years for us to lose this identity. In some ways, however, our identities seem to disappear in an absolute instant. Our daughters are both away and in college now which means we are "official" empty nesters. Strangely, many of emotions between the two identity "thefts" are the same. In both instances we initially felt like we didn't know what to do, and we were worried about what could happen next. Our house is now strangely quiet. We do about half as much laundry, and our leftover meals last a lot longer. There isn't as much clutter around the house, but I've been told the messes are still from me! My wife and I are beginning to create new identities for ourselves, and we're excited! My best advice is to see each day as a great blessing.
The start of a school year reminds me that we ask our students to "create" new identities for themselves each year. All of our students are expected to learn, and that brings a unique set of pressures for every age. There are, of course, differences from grade to grade. (There is a big difference from being a 2nd grader to being a 3rd grader. Just ask one.) Some of our students have moved from different countries and are learning a new language. Some of our students are developing techniques to make and keep better friends. Many of our students are adjusting to new sensory needs or speech and language needs. Just the social/emotional needs of a new school year require all identities to mature and change. The transition into a new school year requires everyone to create new identities.
I'm grateful that our community and school collaborate to help our students with their new identities and these transitions. It's a good reminder to all of us that these changes can be a challenge, and while the feelings are very real, things do get better. It's also a great reminder that every change is an opportunity for exciting and new learning.
My wife and I have secured our credit, and the new journeys we will take together truly are exciting. (We'll always be parents, by the way. It's just different now!) The new school year will be just as exciting. Here's to new identities, wonderful learning opportunities, and an even better year!
Now, about that hacker...
The first time our identity was stolen by a hacker. Control of our email account was taken from us which meant he/she was able to take control of our online shopping account and ultimately our credit card. We had charges on our accounts that were not from us. We made multiple calls to the shopping site, our credit card, the email and internet provider, the state police, and even the FBI. In the end, we spent more than 30 hours protecting our credit, changing accounts and passwords, and collecting and submitting the proper documentation. It was horrible. We felt like we didn't know what to do, and we were worried about what could happen next. My best advice is to change your passwords--frequently.
The second time our identity was taken from us took a little longer. In fact, it took almost 19 years for us to lose this identity. In some ways, however, our identities seem to disappear in an absolute instant. Our daughters are both away and in college now which means we are "official" empty nesters. Strangely, many of emotions between the two identity "thefts" are the same. In both instances we initially felt like we didn't know what to do, and we were worried about what could happen next. Our house is now strangely quiet. We do about half as much laundry, and our leftover meals last a lot longer. There isn't as much clutter around the house, but I've been told the messes are still from me! My wife and I are beginning to create new identities for ourselves, and we're excited! My best advice is to see each day as a great blessing.
The start of a school year reminds me that we ask our students to "create" new identities for themselves each year. All of our students are expected to learn, and that brings a unique set of pressures for every age. There are, of course, differences from grade to grade. (There is a big difference from being a 2nd grader to being a 3rd grader. Just ask one.) Some of our students have moved from different countries and are learning a new language. Some of our students are developing techniques to make and keep better friends. Many of our students are adjusting to new sensory needs or speech and language needs. Just the social/emotional needs of a new school year require all identities to mature and change. The transition into a new school year requires everyone to create new identities.
I'm grateful that our community and school collaborate to help our students with their new identities and these transitions. It's a good reminder to all of us that these changes can be a challenge, and while the feelings are very real, things do get better. It's also a great reminder that every change is an opportunity for exciting and new learning.
My wife and I have secured our credit, and the new journeys we will take together truly are exciting. (We'll always be parents, by the way. It's just different now!) The new school year will be just as exciting. Here's to new identities, wonderful learning opportunities, and an even better year!
Now, about that hacker...
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