And so the new chapter begins. As I've said before, this school year represents all of us turning a page to a story that has had many twists and turns; the characters have endured many changes; a little mystery has been thrown in there and now the plot thickens. The English teacher in me would describe this as "the climax of my personal narrative." The protagonist (me) has finally reached the place in the book where the action heads into high gear. I have successfully completed my first full week as a middle school student teacher.
Several friends and family members texted or emailed the night before and after the first day asking for an update. As I suspected, I barely had time to respond to anyone because my second full time job was waiting for me when I walked in the door every night. After what felt like 100 runs to Office Max, we finally have all the needed (and not so necessary) supplies for my 6th grader, Freshman and Junior students. Dinner didn't make it to the table before 7:30 and I was ready to crash by 9:30. I knew I was not in "working full time" shape after a 16.5 year hiatus from the grind. But what I didn't expect was how exhilirating my days would be. Although I am physically exhausted, the joy I have from spending my days in the classroom, buoys me into my evening responsibilities with an energy I wasn't anticipating. Because I simply didn't have time to update anyone, on Thursday night I wrote this on Facebook: "For several years post-college, I wandered from job to job in many failed attempts to 'find my calling.' In the moment when I became a mom, I declared: "I was born to do this!". After my first full week as a middle school student teacher, I am uttering this powerful phrase once again. It has been quite a journey to get here, but this feeling is indescribable."
As for the boys.............Quinn left the house saying: "Great. Back to hell." He is pretty overwhelmed with football practice, followed by 4-5 hours of homework but he'll adjust. Ian acted like he wasn't excited but all week, he has seemed to enjoy doing his homework, bounced out of bed at 6:30 a.m. without any prodding and was talkative every night. The highlight of his day is 4th period English as the teacher resembles a contestant from America's Top Model. All the freshman boys pay attention in that class. Ben loves being back in the public school scene and the halls of middle school. Although he did say the lunch lady was mean to him when she couldn't find his account due to him being a transfer student. Little does he know this will be the least of his worries come 8th grade.
I realize we are all in the "honeymoon phase" right now but I can't wait to watch this story unfold!
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| Junior Year: Positively thrilled. |
Freshman!!
He's the only one who would indulge me and display the sign.
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| Ready for my 6th graders. |
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One Response to “2013-14 School Year: Week One is in the record books”
I am so excited for this chapter in your life Dana! There are some VERY lucky middle school kiddo's who are blessed to have your wisdom and heart guiding them through their school days.
I also just have to say, you look STUNNING in this picture :) Such a beauty! It is apparent through your words and how you look in this picture that indeed, you have found your calling once again!
Love you special lady!!!!
xoxoxo
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