After an insanely busy morning in the theatre, I came back to my new classroom, 3B, to kick off our exciting new drama unit. This conversation ensued.
Student: Ms. H, what are you doing here?
Me: Well, I'm going to be teaching in 3B for the next trimester.
Student: REALLY?!?
She then gave me a hug, and excitedly went to tell all her friends, who also came up and gave me enthusiastic hugs. I love my job and I love my students and I love being a teacher. Makes leaving my babies in 3A a little easier :)
**********
Currently reading: too many books, but mostly The Great Unexpected
Current high: getting to teach drama to enthusiastic students today, what a dream
Current low: the next three days will be ABSOLUTE insanity...but I'll be rewarded with vacation :)
Monday, December 9, 2013
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Between a Pillow and a Soft Place
I struggle with big life decisions. As does everyone, I suppose. Recently I've had a few really tough ones, and a couple more major choices are up ahead. As I've grown older, I've become more and more reflective. Even when I'm beyond happy, but especially when I'm not, I look back and wonder.
What would my life be like if I'd...
chosen a different college?
stayed on the wait list at the one school that didn't accept me?
transferred colleges?
not studied abroad, or studied abroad somewhere else?
continued to pursue a year-round position at the organization that runs the summer program I worked for?
turned down the theatre tech half of my position?
chosen my summer job over my full-time job?
left midyear to teach kindergarten at a public school?
One of my favourite Indigo Girls lyrics seems apt here: "Every five years or so I look back on my life, and I have a good laugh."
As much as I grapple with major choices such as these, I must admit that I am incredibly lucky. As my father noted when I was working through the last one on that list about a month ago, each big decision I've had to make so far has been between two amazing options. Later in life I may be faced with choosing the lesser of two evils rather than the greater of two goods. With all of these decisions as well as the ones in the near future, I know my life will go in an exciting new direction in any event.
My alma mater rolled out a new campaign this year: never fear / change. It has two meanings. One is the more obvious: to never fear change, don't be afraid of what's ahead. Step out boldly and use your preparation and training to move forward. The other is never fear, change. Be ready to adapt and make alterations as the landscape shifts. It really resonates with me, and with many other young alumnae I know, particularly in the face of life-altering choices.
Would that I had a hundred lives to live instead of just this one -- I would be in so many places pursing widely varied dreams. I picture all the alternate timelines that diverge from these major decisions, and I can only hope that the one I have chosen and continue to create is the brightest timeline.
**********
Currently reading: The Great Unexpected by Sharon Creech
Current high: only eight more sleeps until I cross the Pacific!!!
Current low: I've had a nagging headache for a few hours...bedtime soon
What would my life be like if I'd...
chosen a different college?
stayed on the wait list at the one school that didn't accept me?
transferred colleges?
not studied abroad, or studied abroad somewhere else?
continued to pursue a year-round position at the organization that runs the summer program I worked for?
turned down the theatre tech half of my position?
chosen my summer job over my full-time job?
left midyear to teach kindergarten at a public school?
One of my favourite Indigo Girls lyrics seems apt here: "Every five years or so I look back on my life, and I have a good laugh."
As much as I grapple with major choices such as these, I must admit that I am incredibly lucky. As my father noted when I was working through the last one on that list about a month ago, each big decision I've had to make so far has been between two amazing options. Later in life I may be faced with choosing the lesser of two evils rather than the greater of two goods. With all of these decisions as well as the ones in the near future, I know my life will go in an exciting new direction in any event.
My alma mater rolled out a new campaign this year: never fear / change. It has two meanings. One is the more obvious: to never fear change, don't be afraid of what's ahead. Step out boldly and use your preparation and training to move forward. The other is never fear, change. Be ready to adapt and make alterations as the landscape shifts. It really resonates with me, and with many other young alumnae I know, particularly in the face of life-altering choices.
Would that I had a hundred lives to live instead of just this one -- I would be in so many places pursing widely varied dreams. I picture all the alternate timelines that diverge from these major decisions, and I can only hope that the one I have chosen and continue to create is the brightest timeline.
**********
Currently reading: The Great Unexpected by Sharon Creech
Current high: only eight more sleeps until I cross the Pacific!!!
Current low: I've had a nagging headache for a few hours...bedtime soon
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Falling in Love
As I mentioned briefly at the end of my last post, this week I rotated to another of the third grade classrooms. One of my favourite students, OK (the same child I discuss in this post), was absent on Monday...but news travels fast. That night, I got this e-mail from her...
"I heard to JK [her friend] that you move to 3B....
Did you really move? I am really sad I am serious~~~~~
I hope you don't !!!!!! I want to see you everyday
"
On the one hand, this completely broke my heart. I totally love this kid, as well as all my students in 3A, and I hate to see her sad. On the other hand, it gave me a really warm fuzzy feeling to know how much my students love me. I believe that one of my strengths as a teacher is my ability to build strong relationships with my students, but it makes it so hard when it's time to say goodbye. I know I'll fall in love with my students in 3B and eventually in 3C in no time at all, but for now, I miss my kids.
I've been feeling a lot of tension between personal comfort and professional growth recently (more on that in a future post). The thing that made it really hard to rotate classes was my love for my students; but as I continue to develop as a teacher, I know that it's a unique privilege to get to observe and collaborate with three different teachers in the space of one school year. As someone who is new to the field, I've got to do what's going to push me to grow and become the teacher I know I can be.
Besides, the good news is that anytime I see my 3A students on the field or in the hallway, I get treated like a superstar with hugs and eager babbling galore. (No autographs, please.)
**********
Currently reading: TOO MANY BOOKS, but most ensconced in Oscar Wao
Current high: treated myself to bubble tea and pad thai for dinner :) And only 6.5 school days until break!!!
Current low: major life decisions on the horizon = STRESS
Besides, the good news is that anytime I see my 3A students on the field or in the hallway, I get treated like a superstar with hugs and eager babbling galore. (No autographs, please.)
**********
Currently reading: TOO MANY BOOKS, but most ensconced in Oscar Wao
Current high: treated myself to bubble tea and pad thai for dinner :) And only 6.5 school days until break!!!
Current low: major life decisions on the horizon = STRESS
Monday, December 2, 2013
Giving Thanks
It's scientifically proven: saying "thank you" to those who have made a difference in your life makes you happier. (Take seven minutes and go watch that video. It's worth it. Don't worry, I'll wait.) With Thanksgiving 2013 gone by largely unacknowledged by this expat, with dumplings instead of turkey and massages instead of football, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on a few things I am incredibly grateful for.
* My family, both biological and chosen. I am so far away from my entire biological family as well as many of my friends, but I am comforted to know that they're always a phone call or a click away. I can't wait to visit so many loved ones in just a few weeks; I am confident that it will be like no time has passed.
* My work. I am so lucky to have a job that makes me feel purposeful and where I am valued. I have such incredible support from Ms. W as a mentor, from all my colleagues who I admire so much, and from my students who teach me new things every single day.
* My travel. In 2013 alone, I have had the immense privilege of visiting half the US states as well as four countries (five if you count the US, I suppose). And travel abounds in the year to come with trips to Abu Dhabi, Australia, Japan, Thailand, and India already in the works. I feel so incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to explore the world, because I know that not everyone is so lucky.
* My education. Throughout my years of schooling, I have not only gained knowledge, but also skills and talents for writing, critical thinking, the arts, and more. I was fortunate to find wonderful communities throughout, and I would not be where and who I am without them. When I curl up with a new novel, I can't help but feel so grateful I know how to read.
* Art. Music feeds my soul; being a part of theatre communities gives my life purpose; literature is one of my favourite things. Art reminds me how to be human.
* My youth. I am having the time of my life on a grand adventure, and I am unbelievably thankful that I have the freedom to pursue my dreams. (If you're a twenty-something like me and you're reading this -- go, take a risk, do something big. Chances are you won't regret it...I know I don't.)
The principal of the upper school includes a quote in his e-mail signature: "From those to whom much is given, much is expected" (Mary Maxwell Gates). I have been lucky enough to receive so much love and support and privilege, and I only hope that I am using it well. As a teacher, I want to give back, empower children to find and use their voices, and through them, make the world a better place. Cliche, I know, but it's true.
An old friend of mine who is also an expat at present wrote a great blog post about spending Thanksgiving abroad. Her post put into words everything I was thinking and feeling on the holiday; I encourage you to check it out!
During my trip to Taiwan, I realized it may be time for a second blog -- I do want to keep this one primarily focused on education. So, stay tuned for a travel blog (as soon as I come up with a good URL)!
**********
Currently reading: The Perks of Being a Wallflower and The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao
Current high: nerdy after-school chats with my new co-teacher...I can tell this is gonna be a rockin' trimester
Current low: barely any time at all with kids today or really this week :(
* My family, both biological and chosen. I am so far away from my entire biological family as well as many of my friends, but I am comforted to know that they're always a phone call or a click away. I can't wait to visit so many loved ones in just a few weeks; I am confident that it will be like no time has passed.
* My work. I am so lucky to have a job that makes me feel purposeful and where I am valued. I have such incredible support from Ms. W as a mentor, from all my colleagues who I admire so much, and from my students who teach me new things every single day.
* My travel. In 2013 alone, I have had the immense privilege of visiting half the US states as well as four countries (five if you count the US, I suppose). And travel abounds in the year to come with trips to Abu Dhabi, Australia, Japan, Thailand, and India already in the works. I feel so incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to explore the world, because I know that not everyone is so lucky.
* My education. Throughout my years of schooling, I have not only gained knowledge, but also skills and talents for writing, critical thinking, the arts, and more. I was fortunate to find wonderful communities throughout, and I would not be where and who I am without them. When I curl up with a new novel, I can't help but feel so grateful I know how to read.
* Art. Music feeds my soul; being a part of theatre communities gives my life purpose; literature is one of my favourite things. Art reminds me how to be human.
* My youth. I am having the time of my life on a grand adventure, and I am unbelievably thankful that I have the freedom to pursue my dreams. (If you're a twenty-something like me and you're reading this -- go, take a risk, do something big. Chances are you won't regret it...I know I don't.)
The principal of the upper school includes a quote in his e-mail signature: "From those to whom much is given, much is expected" (Mary Maxwell Gates). I have been lucky enough to receive so much love and support and privilege, and I only hope that I am using it well. As a teacher, I want to give back, empower children to find and use their voices, and through them, make the world a better place. Cliche, I know, but it's true.
An old friend of mine who is also an expat at present wrote a great blog post about spending Thanksgiving abroad. Her post put into words everything I was thinking and feeling on the holiday; I encourage you to check it out!
During my trip to Taiwan, I realized it may be time for a second blog -- I do want to keep this one primarily focused on education. So, stay tuned for a travel blog (as soon as I come up with a good URL)!
**********
Currently reading: The Perks of Being a Wallflower and The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao
Current high: nerdy after-school chats with my new co-teacher...I can tell this is gonna be a rockin' trimester
Current low: barely any time at all with kids today or really this week :(
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)