President’s Message: “When was the last time you did something for the first time?”

Hello Arizona Health and Physical Educators!

My name is Lara Cox and I am grateful to have recently become the President of Arizona Health and Physical Education. I wanted to send a quick message introducing myself and our theme for the next year.

Our theme is Take The Leap. I have chosen this to challenge our association, our members and all AZ Health & Physical Education teachers. When I heard the quote above while listening to a Physical Education podcast with Mark Friedrich, I started to think about the times I stepped out of my comfort zone and “Took the Leap.” I feel that it was those challenging and uncomfortable situations that have helped me grow the most. One of my biggest leaps was making the decision to move 1800 miles away from my family, friends and everything I knew in Wisconsin to Arizona, a state that I had never even been to for a visit. 16 years later and I am still here. It is hard to believe that it has been that long but I guess time flies when you are having fun and enjoying what you do!

A little bit more about me… I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Sport Science-teaching and School Health Education. When I am not working, I enjoy hanging out with my family or playing soccer. We have a girl named Breighlyn (11), a son named Briley (9), a son Brayton (3), and a Yellow Lab named Kobe (12). We like to camp, bike, be active outside, and cheer on ALL Wisconsin sports teams!

Now I am taking another leap my being the president of AZHPE. I am extremely excited (and definitely nervous) about this next step. If you didn’t make it to the convention this year, I challenged everyone to think about how you can step out of your comfort zone to challenge yourself.  Some examples could be writing a grant, advocating for your program at your school/district, joining the AZHPE board, presenting at a workshop or the state convention, networking, beginning your National Board Certification, attending the state convention for the 1st time, or reflecting on what may not be working and trying something new. Our state was also challenged by Dr. Jo to not only attend next year’s convention but to bring another person with you including your administrators. We are here supporting you and rooting for you.  Always remember, “There are no mistakes or failures, only lessons” -Denis Waitley