Just want to give a big
WELCOME
to Angel, our new foreign exchange student from Taiwan. She arrived today at 1pm!
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Friday, August 2, 2013
European Adventure (Part One)
So I did promise a post of our European adventures. This will be more like many posts. I don't want to overwhelm anyone with too many words in one post, so over the next few days I'll post one a day, and you can read and comment at your leisure! I kept notes almost every day on the first half of our trip. On the second half, not so much, but I will rely on the pictures to remind me of what we did.
First of all, Jon and I decided to take this trip because of the class that hehad to got to attend in Prague; The Regional Business Environment of Europe. This is a week long class, and only Jon really needed to be in attendance, but we really weren't sure when another opportunity to travel to Europe would come, and decided to take advantage. We decided to fly in about a week and some change before the class, and fly out a few days after the class was over, and so our plan was to make a loop through Western Europe, by driving. Here is a map of the path that we took.
First of all, Jon and I decided to take this trip because of the class that he
We flew into Ireland, spent a day there, and then flew to Amsterdam.
Here is the map of the loop we took. Eight days to get from Amsterdam to Prague. Six days in Prague. Three days to get back.
So, we decided to drive. I have never driven in Europe before. When I went we took busses, trains, and planes, because their public transportation system is loads better than the US. It's just how they travel. Well we are American, and so we do it the American way. 3,164 Kilometers is about 2,000 Miles? HA! That's nothing! We can do that EASY. Let me show you the vacation we took for Christmas last year...
This is from KS to our families for Christmas, to SLC and back. Four states, driving 2,193 miles (3,500 K)
You see, we drive over 2,000 miles for vacation every year, and we love it! So we figured, driving in Europe would be even easier, because we are driving through six countries in less miles! Great plan, but we didn't figure about spending so much time driving, and time is precious when you have 17 days in Western Europe with about 20 different destinations!
But we had a blast! We bonded over land speed records in Germany, eating all the foods on our bucket list, hiking in 110 degree weather, and seeing the things we wanted to see most. It was an incredible trip, and all I can think about is going back someday.
Friday, July 26, 2013
Jonathan's Adventures
Over the last couple days I've realized that the whole world now knows what I've been up to since moving to Wichita, Kansas, but no one has any idea what happened to Jon. I'd love hate for everyone to think that I'm the most interesting person in this family (but let's face it, most days I am, unless Bing has a crazy moment), but Jon is interesting, too! We've been through quite a lot since moving to Wichita, and it hasn't just been me that has all this exciting news. I am, however, the one who blogs (Jon does have a blog, go check it out and tell me when was the last time he posted...yeah, I think I'm a little bit better at this...)
So Iactually totally will be short loooong with this, because I can't be very verbose seem to shut up about something I know very little about. ;)
So Jon moves to Wichita without me. Remember this? 7 long and terrible months a part (which just made me love him more). He graduated and got this great job with Cargill! See this post for more info! It was awesome, cause he had to travel A LOT during the first few months with Cargill, and I was in graduate school, in Colorado, living with my awesome Bro- and Sis-in-Law. So even if I had been in Kansas, I wouldn't have seen much of my husband. I've heard stories of this time. Jon's second bachelorhood. Just him and the dog. People tell me he had a whole pantry cupboard full of candy and I needed to get a move on and get out to Wichita to get some real food in my house! FYI, that cupboard is STILL full of candy.
I don't know a whole lot about what went on when I was not living here, but Jon and I talked on the phone or Skype every single day. You see, we have this commitment to read scriptures together every day. We started this when we were newly engaged, and haven't missed a day since. It's one of those things that brings us so close as a couple, AND it's very difficult to be mad at someone while you're reading the word of God, so it also mends arguments! Another post on that later. We also pray together, but that is soooo awkward over the phone. I can't explain it, it just IS. Anyway. I moved out to Wichita in January. See this post for more info.
So how is Jon now working for Beechcraft? What happened? Wellshort (I can't make anything short, I'm so sorry...) story is, he was laid off let go (see this clip from Emperor's New Groove) from Cargill, got a new job in record time at ViaChristi Health, working in business development and decided that he'd like to go back to school to get his Masters. So May 2012, Jon started his MSGM with Thunderbird School of Global Management, AND an MBA with Indiana University. YES! Two degrees at the SAME TIME. He is awesome, but not crazy, so just so you are aware, it's actually a dual degree program. :) He is expected to graduate December 2014. So we only have a year and half left!
So that Summer of 2012 was pretty interesting. Jon had been working for Via Christi for a couple months, just started a new Masters program, and I didn't have a job lined up for next school year. And you all already know this, but I DID get a job at Martin Elementary, and after I had a job, Jon and I made the leap that we had been contemplating for a year or so, and applied to be host parents. See this post about Charlie!
So here we are; both in newish jobs, Jon in school full time, Mallory FREAKING OUT because your first year teaching at a new school is crazy, and a new person coming to live with us. Everything happens for a reason though. And this last year was amazing. I can't even express how blessed we are. All I know is God is good, and he loves us.
Jon was asked in the Fall of 2012 to interview with Beechcraft. He wasn't looking for a new job, he didn't apply for it, but THEY found HIM. And then they gave him an offer which we couldn't refuse. We prayed about it, we fasted about it, and Jon went to work for a new company. We love Beechcraft! Jon has really enjoyed working there, and when he's happy, I'm happy.
So the real adventures come with Jon's schooling. Because he's in this program, hehas to gets to take week long classes in other countries around the world. He had signed up for one in Prague, Czech Republic (like there's another Prague that I would be talking about...haha) and instead of just going for a week, we decided to make a sweet vacation out of it and tour around Europe. Jon has another one of these classes in February (Lima, Peru, this time) but I don't think I'll be able to go. Too much time off work for me.
Through all of this, and especially looking back on it, I can see the hand of my Father in Heaven in my life. He has always poured out blessings upon me, and my family, and I am so grateful for his hand in my life. If you are struggling seeing the little things that God does for you each day, I encourage you to keep a gratitude journal. I started doing this and wow has it opened my eyes. Even on the worst days, I can always think of three things to be grateful for. Also, this works really well for prayers. Write down three things you're grateful for, three things you'd like to ask God to bless you with, and then pray over those things.
So, I think we are almost completely caught up. Stay tuned for VACATION POSTS! Because I know that everyone started salivating the moment I mentioned Europe, I promise there will be pictures, and details. Oh, did I mention we also went to Brazil this summer? You'll just have to wait and see!
P.S. Why doesn't anyone comment? Seriously, I love comments! If you want details about Europe/Brazil, then you need to comment. Thank you!
So I
So Jon moves to Wichita without me. Remember this? 7 long and terrible months a part (which just made me love him more). He graduated and got this great job with Cargill! See this post for more info! It was awesome, cause he had to travel A LOT during the first few months with Cargill, and I was in graduate school, in Colorado, living with my awesome Bro- and Sis-in-Law. So even if I had been in Kansas, I wouldn't have seen much of my husband. I've heard stories of this time. Jon's second bachelorhood. Just him and the dog. People tell me he had a whole pantry cupboard full of candy and I needed to get a move on and get out to Wichita to get some real food in my house! FYI, that cupboard is STILL full of candy.
I don't know a whole lot about what went on when I was not living here, but Jon and I talked on the phone or Skype every single day. You see, we have this commitment to read scriptures together every day. We started this when we were newly engaged, and haven't missed a day since. It's one of those things that brings us so close as a couple, AND it's very difficult to be mad at someone while you're reading the word of God, so it also mends arguments! Another post on that later. We also pray together, but that is soooo awkward over the phone. I can't explain it, it just IS. Anyway. I moved out to Wichita in January. See this post for more info.
So how is Jon now working for Beechcraft? What happened? Well
So that Summer of 2012 was pretty interesting. Jon had been working for Via Christi for a couple months, just started a new Masters program, and I didn't have a job lined up for next school year. And you all already know this, but I DID get a job at Martin Elementary, and after I had a job, Jon and I made the leap that we had been contemplating for a year or so, and applied to be host parents. See this post about Charlie!
So here we are; both in newish jobs, Jon in school full time, Mallory FREAKING OUT because your first year teaching at a new school is crazy, and a new person coming to live with us. Everything happens for a reason though. And this last year was amazing. I can't even express how blessed we are. All I know is God is good, and he loves us.
Jon was asked in the Fall of 2012 to interview with Beechcraft. He wasn't looking for a new job, he didn't apply for it, but THEY found HIM. And then they gave him an offer which we couldn't refuse. We prayed about it, we fasted about it, and Jon went to work for a new company. We love Beechcraft! Jon has really enjoyed working there, and when he's happy, I'm happy.
So the real adventures come with Jon's schooling. Because he's in this program, he
Through all of this, and especially looking back on it, I can see the hand of my Father in Heaven in my life. He has always poured out blessings upon me, and my family, and I am so grateful for his hand in my life. If you are struggling seeing the little things that God does for you each day, I encourage you to keep a gratitude journal. I started doing this and wow has it opened my eyes. Even on the worst days, I can always think of three things to be grateful for. Also, this works really well for prayers. Write down three things you're grateful for, three things you'd like to ask God to bless you with, and then pray over those things.
So, I think we are almost completely caught up. Stay tuned for VACATION POSTS! Because I know that everyone started salivating the moment I mentioned Europe, I promise there will be pictures, and details. Oh, did I mention we also went to Brazil this summer? You'll just have to wait and see!
P.S. Why doesn't anyone comment? Seriously, I love comments! If you want details about Europe/Brazil, then you need to comment. Thank you!
Thursday, July 25, 2013
The Role of Mother
I'm NOT pregnant. Just thought I'd get that out of the way. ;)
This post is not about becoming a mother in the traditional way, though that is the eventual goal. Jon and I have always wanted to have kids, and we still do. For many reasons, we decided to do something a little non-traditional before becoming parents
I've always believed that you can be a mother without ever having to give birth. Though that, and adoption, are more traditional ways of being a mother, you can be a mother to people who are not your actual children. My last post, about being a teacher, is just one example. I feel very motherly towards my students, so much that I usually refer to them as "my kids" and their parents as "my parents." I also work with the youth in our church (ages 12-18), and I used to work with the primary aged children (4-12), and have felt like a mother to many of them in some capacity. My mother-in-law can never replace the woman who raised me; my mommy. But, she DID raise my husband to be a wonderful man, and has treated me as her own daughter for the last 5 years of our marriage (and even before we were married) and I call her "mom" not Brenda. My sister, Courtney, has also been a sort of mother to me, as I was a newly wed and trying to figure all this wife stuff out, she helped me tremendously in teaching me how to be a wife, and what to expect from marriage. My friends' mothers who have been involved in my life also deserve a shout out, my teachers from elementary school on up to college, and my colleagues at work, who have helped me find my role as a teacher, mentored me, and bought me chocolate. All women are mothers. We have this in our nature; it's a part of us. If you haven't actually had a child, you can be a mother. So I think of myself as a mother, too.
Nevertheless, nothing could have prepared me for the last year. Jon and I decided to skip the baby years, the toddler years, and all the years in between and try to raise a teenager. :) We decided to become host parents to a foreign exchange student from The Netherlands in July of 2012. We looked through lots of profiles, and found it very difficult to choose who would become our daughter. But we found her, and I'll never regret that decision. She arrived at the end of that month, and we were so excited to have her here!
Charlotte was our first experience having someone else live with us, someone else to take care of (other than the dog and Jon; because, let's face it, he's just a grown up boy), and someone to call our daughter. Of course we didn't replace her family or her parents, but I like to think that she will always think of us as her family, too. I know that we will always think of her that way.
It is a difficult thing to open up your home to someone you've never met before. It can be trying, for you and for the other person. Trying to mesh two different cultures, styles, habits and quirks is a lot like getting married again. It's a shock at first, but you learn to get along, learn how to interact with each other, and become family. Our family, will certainly never be the same again.
I don't pretend to be Charlotte's mother, but I do hope that I've made a positive impact on her life. I hope that she looks back at her time with us this last year as a good experience, as something that helped her to grow into the young woman that she is. I hope she remembers us, the good memories and the bad, and I hope that she continues to grow and learn from her experiences.
This post is not about becoming a mother in the traditional way, though that is the eventual goal. Jon and I have always wanted to have kids, and we still do. For many reasons, we decided to do something a little non-traditional before becoming parents
I've always believed that you can be a mother without ever having to give birth. Though that, and adoption, are more traditional ways of being a mother, you can be a mother to people who are not your actual children. My last post, about being a teacher, is just one example. I feel very motherly towards my students, so much that I usually refer to them as "my kids" and their parents as "my parents." I also work with the youth in our church (ages 12-18), and I used to work with the primary aged children (4-12), and have felt like a mother to many of them in some capacity. My mother-in-law can never replace the woman who raised me; my mommy. But, she DID raise my husband to be a wonderful man, and has treated me as her own daughter for the last 5 years of our marriage (and even before we were married) and I call her "mom" not Brenda. My sister, Courtney, has also been a sort of mother to me, as I was a newly wed and trying to figure all this wife stuff out, she helped me tremendously in teaching me how to be a wife, and what to expect from marriage. My friends' mothers who have been involved in my life also deserve a shout out, my teachers from elementary school on up to college, and my colleagues at work, who have helped me find my role as a teacher, mentored me, and bought me chocolate. All women are mothers. We have this in our nature; it's a part of us. If you haven't actually had a child, you can be a mother. So I think of myself as a mother, too.
Nevertheless, nothing could have prepared me for the last year. Jon and I decided to skip the baby years, the toddler years, and all the years in between and try to raise a teenager. :) We decided to become host parents to a foreign exchange student from The Netherlands in July of 2012. We looked through lots of profiles, and found it very difficult to choose who would become our daughter. But we found her, and I'll never regret that decision. She arrived at the end of that month, and we were so excited to have her here!
Charlotte's Arrival - July 2012
Derby Hats - Kentucky Derby Party - Spring 2013
It is a difficult thing to open up your home to someone you've never met before. It can be trying, for you and for the other person. Trying to mesh two different cultures, styles, habits and quirks is a lot like getting married again. It's a shock at first, but you learn to get along, learn how to interact with each other, and become family. Our family, will certainly never be the same again.
Fried Oreos - Kansas State Fair - September 2012
Fun in the Snow - Snow Days - Winter 2013
I hope she looks at Wichita, Kansas as her second home, and as a place she is always welcome. I hope she remembers all the fun we had, and the tears we cried together.
Scary Ride - Kansas State Fair - September 2012
I know I was not a perfect mom. In fact, I was pretty terrible at it. I tried really hard, though. I tried to make the right decisions. I worried about her and prayed for her and wanted her to succeed. I know I could have done a better job, but I think that recognizing our weaknesses can only make us stronger.
Boulder, CO - Winter 2012
One of the best things about welcoming another person into your home is that you get to learn so much about another culture, another language, and another people. Meeting Charlotte's family was amazing. Talking with them about their daughter, sharing experiences and insights, and creating lifelong friendships was just an incredible experience, especially when we got to visit them in The Netherlands this summer.
Red Lobster - Meet the Parents - Spring Break 2013
And watching my host daughter graduate from high school was just the icing on the cake. I'm proud of her accomplishments and achievements, I'm proud of how much she has grown over the last year, and I'm proud to be her host mom.
Charlotte's Graduation - May 2013
I'll never forget my experience this past year. I've grown so much! I've grown to appreciate my own mother, as well as appreciate my husband and of course this special person who jumped into our lives one year ago. You'll always be a Hummer, Charlie. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
Family Pictures - Spring 2013
So here's to a new year, a new experience, and another shot at being a mom. This year will be different, not better or worse, just different. We miss you so much Charlotte. We can't really express how amazing it was to have you with us this last year. Thank you for taking a chance, and being our host daughter. We love you.
Monday, July 22, 2013
A Teacher's Journey
Hello friends, family, and other people who might have at one point read this blog. I'm back, and based on what has traditionally happened, this may be my last post for another two years; hopefully not. I'm going to give you the short version of what has been going on. Lots of changes, lots of time. Almost exactly 1 year and 11 months ago was my last post. So I will begin there (and I promise, it will be quick terribly long, but worth it...)
August 2011, I started working at Stanley Elementary as a Para like my last post explained. I felt very discouraged at first. I wanted to be a teacher, and I didn't understand at first why that wasn't happening. I know now how much I needed this experience at Stanley. It is what truly formed me into a teacher. I. Loved. This. Job. I almost want to go back to being a para...that's how much I loved it. (Teaching and being around children, without the planning and the meetings! Too bad it doesn't pay very well.) My responsibilities were to help out in a particular Kindergarten class with about a 60% ESL population. My other responsibility was to shadow a student who had difficulty following the rules, and liked to throw tantrums. My first day on the job, (I wish I had blogged about this two years ago) I lost him. He ran out of the classroom, out of the school, and I ran to catch him. I did, thank goodness, but this little boy didn't just run away that day, he ran straight into my heart. It didn't matter how frustrating it was, or how much I cried because it was so difficult to handle, I'll never forget him. I'll never forget the way that he changed me, it is because of him that I am the teacher I am today (sorry, spoiler! I did eventually become a teacher!)
I love everything about those kids, and teaching them gave me the direction I needed, put me on the path to really want this. It was so difficult. I can't adequately express how difficult it was, but it was also the most rewarding. The small progress I made seemed like a triumph and I was finally fitting into my role, and loving it. I found myself wanting to change the way that the teacher of the Kindergarten class did things, but I had no power to do that. I was worried about not having a teaching job yet, but I just kept telling myself that this was exactly what I needed.
Fast forward to January 2012. Still a para, (now one without a gallbladder, long story that does not contribute to the point of this post), and still in the same room. I was approached by my principal. They had an opening for a long term substitute in first grade. The teacher had retired unexpectedly, and would I take that position. I debated. I loved my position, my kindergarten class. This would be much harder, and not much more pay for the hours I would work. Would it be worth it? I prayed. I read my scriptures. I talked to Jon. I talked to my parents. I talked to my colleagues. I eventually decided that this was my chance. If I wanted to be a teacher, this was my shot at doing what I wanted to do!
I accepted. In February I began another life changing position. I took on what was dubbed to be "the most difficult class" in the school. They had been through 3 different teachers already! Why would I be any different? My first day teaching these kids, we sat in a circle and I told them they could ask me anything they wanted and I would answer truthfully. One child asked, "Are you going to leave us?" I choked up at that innocent question. A child who had obviously been hurt by other teachers leaving her. I answered truthfully; "I won't leave you. Next year in second grade you'll have a different teacher, but I'm not leaving until the end of this school year." I kept my promise.
I can only describe the next month of my life asdifficult horrifying hell. I suppose I'm exaggerating a bit, but I seriously questioned my decision to take on that class, and my role as a teacher. I inherited a disastrous mess of a room, which only got messier as I was busy with two jobs, my family and trying to retrain a class of 16 terrors. Terrors who had gotten away with doing anything they wanted to for the last two months.
I. Cried. Every. Day. For two weeks, every time those kids left the room for specials, lunch, or recess my eyes would let out the frustration, pain and stress I felt from teaching. I even cried in front of them once (but I made it seem like something else made me cry...) How could this be enjoyable? Was this really what I wanted? I put together rules and expectations and, of course, consequences for breaking those rules. ALL of them broke my rules and pushed my buttons, and so I had to follow through with my consequences. Office referrals, lost recesses, and time outs galore. But in the end, it was worth it. The last two months of teaching were amazing. The bonds that I made with these students will never be forgotten. Even now I tear up when I think of my first real class. My first parent-teacher conferences. My first babies. I love them so much my heart can't hold it all. They taught me so much those four months. They taught me what it truly means to be a teacher.
And at the end of that year, I learned that I wouldn't be returning to Stanley next year. I was not technically a teacher in the district, so other teachers had preference over me. I was majorly bummed out, but I knew what I needed to do. I sent out applications like crazy, knowing now that this really was where I was meant to be, and knowing that I had what it took to be a great teacher. A colleague once told me that you can learn to do lots of the things that teachers do. You can learn to plan lessons, you can learn how to control the classroom using behavior management techniques, and you can learn how to teach so that the kids really do learn! But there is one thing that you cannot teach someone, and that is how to love teaching. How to love your students. Love them so much you'd do just about anything for them. That is how I feel. I'm definitely an imperfect teacher, but I LOVE my kids.
I had several interviews that spring and summer of 2012. A few in Wichita, one in Maize, one in Derby. And then I had one in Andover. When I got the call for Andover, (and a FIRST GRADE position) I thought NO WAY! This is the most sought after district. High test scores, well behaved students, and good pay. There are teachers who have taught for years in Wichita who have applied for jobs in Andover year after year and don't get called. You have to know someone to get a job there. I called up a friend of a friend who teaches there and asked her EVERYTHING about Andover. She answered my questions and helped prep me for my interview. It was time.
The interview went really well. Oddly enough, nothing that I had discussed with this Andover teacher had come up in the interview, but I poured my heart and soul into it, just as I had done with the other interviews. I only remember telling them about my experience as a long-term substitute, and how it had changed me as a person and as a teacher (I even teared up a bit, I can't help it!). I remember focusing on my love of teaching, and my love for those children. I left feeling great, and got a call 5 hours later offering me the job. And guess what? I didn't know anyone in Andover. I had no ties to this district. :) Go me!
I was on my way to another interview (my principal laughed about this later; she told me I didn't seem too excited about it...maybe cause I was distracted driving to another interview...haha) and once the shock wore off, I accepted. Then I called Jon to tell him and ask him what to do about the other interview. ;) I don't think I did very well, as I interviewed in Derby, but I did try to do a good job. I was just too dang excited about my job offer!
In August 2012 I became a first grade teacher at Martin Elementary. I was so nervous for Orientation, and Meet Your Teacher Night, but I found that the last year of being a para and a substitute really helped me gain the skills I needed to be a great first year teacher. It was an adjustment teaching at a school that was 3% free and reduced lunch, rather than Stanley; 97% free and reduced lunch. These kids didn't need me as much as my other students, and they had so much more advantages which made teaching much easier. I found myself looking for ways to challenge them and changing things up as I went along. But those 20 kiddos ran straight into my heart as well, and I did what I do best. I loved them. I put my heart into teaching them, just like I promised I would in my interview.
Later I asked my teammates why they chose me. They told me many things, but ultimately it was my experience with that first grade class at Stanley that stuck with them. They said that they knew immediately after I left that I was the one. I love those ladies so much, two of my best friends now. We've been through a lot together as a team. And I will miss them so much this year!
I'm still working at Martin, but this year I will be a Kindergarten teacher. I will miss First Grade, I will miss my teammates, I will miss my classroom (I had the *perfect* classroom set up....), but I'm excited to share my love with the new children who will be entering my life. Teaching is not for everyone. Don't let someone tell you that it's the greatest job or the easiest job, because it's not. But when you are called to do something in life, you don't have a choice but to accept, and I was called to be a teacher. I don't know what the future will bring, especially as Jonathan and I have kids of our own. I don't know what jobs I will have over the years, but I can tell you this much. I will always be a teacher. There are certain parts about yourself that you can't change, and this is one part that I never want to change.
Bring it on Kindergarten!
August 2011, I started working at Stanley Elementary as a Para like my last post explained. I felt very discouraged at first. I wanted to be a teacher, and I didn't understand at first why that wasn't happening. I know now how much I needed this experience at Stanley. It is what truly formed me into a teacher. I. Loved. This. Job. I almost want to go back to being a para...that's how much I loved it. (Teaching and being around children, without the planning and the meetings! Too bad it doesn't pay very well.) My responsibilities were to help out in a particular Kindergarten class with about a 60% ESL population. My other responsibility was to shadow a student who had difficulty following the rules, and liked to throw tantrums. My first day on the job, (I wish I had blogged about this two years ago) I lost him. He ran out of the classroom, out of the school, and I ran to catch him. I did, thank goodness, but this little boy didn't just run away that day, he ran straight into my heart. It didn't matter how frustrating it was, or how much I cried because it was so difficult to handle, I'll never forget him. I'll never forget the way that he changed me, it is because of him that I am the teacher I am today (sorry, spoiler! I did eventually become a teacher!)
I love everything about those kids, and teaching them gave me the direction I needed, put me on the path to really want this. It was so difficult. I can't adequately express how difficult it was, but it was also the most rewarding. The small progress I made seemed like a triumph and I was finally fitting into my role, and loving it. I found myself wanting to change the way that the teacher of the Kindergarten class did things, but I had no power to do that. I was worried about not having a teaching job yet, but I just kept telling myself that this was exactly what I needed.
Fast forward to January 2012. Still a para, (now one without a gallbladder, long story that does not contribute to the point of this post), and still in the same room. I was approached by my principal. They had an opening for a long term substitute in first grade. The teacher had retired unexpectedly, and would I take that position. I debated. I loved my position, my kindergarten class. This would be much harder, and not much more pay for the hours I would work. Would it be worth it? I prayed. I read my scriptures. I talked to Jon. I talked to my parents. I talked to my colleagues. I eventually decided that this was my chance. If I wanted to be a teacher, this was my shot at doing what I wanted to do!
I accepted. In February I began another life changing position. I took on what was dubbed to be "the most difficult class" in the school. They had been through 3 different teachers already! Why would I be any different? My first day teaching these kids, we sat in a circle and I told them they could ask me anything they wanted and I would answer truthfully. One child asked, "Are you going to leave us?" I choked up at that innocent question. A child who had obviously been hurt by other teachers leaving her. I answered truthfully; "I won't leave you. Next year in second grade you'll have a different teacher, but I'm not leaving until the end of this school year." I kept my promise.
I can only describe the next month of my life as
I. Cried. Every. Day. For two weeks, every time those kids left the room for specials, lunch, or recess my eyes would let out the frustration, pain and stress I felt from teaching. I even cried in front of them once (but I made it seem like something else made me cry...) How could this be enjoyable? Was this really what I wanted? I put together rules and expectations and, of course, consequences for breaking those rules. ALL of them broke my rules and pushed my buttons, and so I had to follow through with my consequences. Office referrals, lost recesses, and time outs galore. But in the end, it was worth it. The last two months of teaching were amazing. The bonds that I made with these students will never be forgotten. Even now I tear up when I think of my first real class. My first parent-teacher conferences. My first babies. I love them so much my heart can't hold it all. They taught me so much those four months. They taught me what it truly means to be a teacher.
And at the end of that year, I learned that I wouldn't be returning to Stanley next year. I was not technically a teacher in the district, so other teachers had preference over me. I was majorly bummed out, but I knew what I needed to do. I sent out applications like crazy, knowing now that this really was where I was meant to be, and knowing that I had what it took to be a great teacher. A colleague once told me that you can learn to do lots of the things that teachers do. You can learn to plan lessons, you can learn how to control the classroom using behavior management techniques, and you can learn how to teach so that the kids really do learn! But there is one thing that you cannot teach someone, and that is how to love teaching. How to love your students. Love them so much you'd do just about anything for them. That is how I feel. I'm definitely an imperfect teacher, but I LOVE my kids.
I had several interviews that spring and summer of 2012. A few in Wichita, one in Maize, one in Derby. And then I had one in Andover. When I got the call for Andover, (and a FIRST GRADE position) I thought NO WAY! This is the most sought after district. High test scores, well behaved students, and good pay. There are teachers who have taught for years in Wichita who have applied for jobs in Andover year after year and don't get called. You have to know someone to get a job there. I called up a friend of a friend who teaches there and asked her EVERYTHING about Andover. She answered my questions and helped prep me for my interview. It was time.
The interview went really well. Oddly enough, nothing that I had discussed with this Andover teacher had come up in the interview, but I poured my heart and soul into it, just as I had done with the other interviews. I only remember telling them about my experience as a long-term substitute, and how it had changed me as a person and as a teacher (I even teared up a bit, I can't help it!). I remember focusing on my love of teaching, and my love for those children. I left feeling great, and got a call 5 hours later offering me the job. And guess what? I didn't know anyone in Andover. I had no ties to this district. :) Go me!
I was on my way to another interview (my principal laughed about this later; she told me I didn't seem too excited about it...maybe cause I was distracted driving to another interview...haha) and once the shock wore off, I accepted. Then I called Jon to tell him and ask him what to do about the other interview. ;) I don't think I did very well, as I interviewed in Derby, but I did try to do a good job. I was just too dang excited about my job offer!
In August 2012 I became a first grade teacher at Martin Elementary. I was so nervous for Orientation, and Meet Your Teacher Night, but I found that the last year of being a para and a substitute really helped me gain the skills I needed to be a great first year teacher. It was an adjustment teaching at a school that was 3% free and reduced lunch, rather than Stanley; 97% free and reduced lunch. These kids didn't need me as much as my other students, and they had so much more advantages which made teaching much easier. I found myself looking for ways to challenge them and changing things up as I went along. But those 20 kiddos ran straight into my heart as well, and I did what I do best. I loved them. I put my heart into teaching them, just like I promised I would in my interview.
Later I asked my teammates why they chose me. They told me many things, but ultimately it was my experience with that first grade class at Stanley that stuck with them. They said that they knew immediately after I left that I was the one. I love those ladies so much, two of my best friends now. We've been through a lot together as a team. And I will miss them so much this year!
I'm still working at Martin, but this year I will be a Kindergarten teacher. I will miss First Grade, I will miss my teammates, I will miss my classroom (I had the *perfect* classroom set up....), but I'm excited to share my love with the new children who will be entering my life. Teaching is not for everyone. Don't let someone tell you that it's the greatest job or the easiest job, because it's not. But when you are called to do something in life, you don't have a choice but to accept, and I was called to be a teacher. I don't know what the future will bring, especially as Jonathan and I have kids of our own. I don't know what jobs I will have over the years, but I can tell you this much. I will always be a teacher. There are certain parts about yourself that you can't change, and this is one part that I never want to change.
Bring it on Kindergarten!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Where did you go?
Wow, it has been a really long time since I have posted. I would like to say that I have been terribly busy and just don't have time to post, but that's not entirely true... I might have been able to say that while I was student teaching from January till May, but for the last 3 months, I think it's prudent to say that I've just been lazy. :)
I happy to say that I finished my student teaching with a grade of PASS! There are no letter grades, so pass is pretty awesome compared to fail or incomplete. :) I really enjoyed my time with my third graders. I was able to teach full-time and be the only teacher in the classroom for a month. It was challenging, rewarding, and so much fun! I must say, I believe I picked the right profession for me. In my patriarchal blessing I was promised that I would find a profession that would give me fulfillment and also give me the time for my family. I'm so happy the Lord has led me in the right direction.
After my student teaching was over, I spent the next month finishing my online class, applying for my Colorado Teaching License, and searching for jobs. I found a summer job pretty quickly and began working part time in the glorified position of Sales Associate at your neighborhood Walmart! I've been working there for almost 3 months now, and it isn't that bad, but it definitely confirmed my feeling that I am meant to be a teacher! While working at Walmart, I continued my job search for elementary teaching positions. I tried to ignore the hiring freeze, the lack of job openings and the budget cuts happening in our school district. I didn't get any calls for interviews, any response back from emails I'd sent, or schools I'd visited. I'll be honest, I was feeling very discouraged. Now is not a good time to be a new elementary teacher...
I still enjoyed my summer though! Jon and I had the chance to travel back to the motherland (Colorado) to attend 3 wonderful weddings! Two of my best friends in the world were married. Tabi on June 25th and Kimee on August 13th. Jon's sister Alli also was married on August 12th and 13th. (that weekend was a little bit crazy - driving back and forth from Denver on a time crunch...) It was such a joy to see all three couples sealed together in the temple. I think it was a huge reminder for both me and Jonathan of our covenants that we had made with each other and the Lord 3 years ago. Congratulations to Tabi and James, Alli and Chris, and Kimee and Aubrey! You all are such important people to me and Jonathan, and we are so happy that you have found happiness in each other. :) We love you.
We had to cut our last visit to Colorado short because I had two job interviews on Monday August 14th. I felt like both of the interviews went well, and I was super excited for both of them. I really wanted a job in education, and even though the district was not hiring for full-time teachers, I would be ecstatic to be a paraeducator and still be able to work with children. We got home on Monday morning at 2:30am, I had one interview at 9am, and one at 1:30pm, and the principal from Stanley Elementary School called me at 4:30pm that evening to offer me a job as a paraeducator! I accepted of course, and though I had to tell the other school I would not be able to work for them (very difficult to do by the way...) I felt a real connection with Stanley, the staff and the principal. I hope everything goes well with them.
School started August 16th, and I couldn't be there because I need to be processed by the district first. My processing date is tomorrow (8/25/11), and I start officially on Friday the 26th! I am very excited for this and even though I have mixed feelings about not being a teacher yet, I feel very good about this step. I've talked with many other teachers in this same boat, and I feel very lucky to have this opportunity. The position is temporary, meant to last only the school year, and it is hourly and non-benefited. I lose out on holiday pay and sick days, but I'll be doing what I love and gaining experience so that I can someday have my dream job!
I will also be continuing at Walmart for the time being. It is a decision that I've made for a number of reasons. My full-time job at Stanley is actually only 35 hours a week, so to add 10 to 15 hours a week at Walmart on top of that won't be too difficult to manage, and I can use all the extra money I can get right now. Jon lost his car in a crash in February, so we've had only one car this whole time, and we've really suffered from me not working from October 2010 to June 2011. I feel this is my time to make a contribution to our family and our dreams and goals. And hopefully we'll be buying another car here soon!
Jon and I also got to celebrate our 3rd anniversary this year. We had a blast going to see a couple awesome bands in concert a few weekends before, and then had a nice dinner out (dressed up!) and had a fun drive around town. We are still very happy and very much in love!
Sorry for the super-de-duper long post, but I just wanted to fill everyone in on what has been happening in our lives. We are missing Colorado, but learning to love Wichita and the changes it has brought to our lives!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
First Cold, First Snow, First Snow Day(s)...
This week has been slow...and I mean dramatically slow. After a whole week of no husband and many long days student teaching, I was starting to feel a little lonely and a little out of touch with life. Friday I must have sneezed about 14 times (you can ask my 3rd graders, they will attest to that!) and after an evening out with the girls, I woke up saturday sick. Was it just allergies? Only a cold? Maybe (please no!) the flu? Whatever it was, it was my first sickness of 2011 and I spent my whole Saturday and Sunday curled up in blankets on the couch watching TV and drinking orange juice and Best Defense.
Sunday evening I felt a bit better. I graded my papers (so exciting that I get to grade papers now!) and then Jon returned from Georgia and the snow started to fall. It was beautiful, but on the way to and from the airport, I could already tell the roads were starting to ice over. It was great to have my husband back though, and I'll be honest, I wasn't worried about the snow. I've just moved to Wichita from Fort Collins, Colorado. How bad could it be?
Monday morning and back to school I was. Jon called me as he left (ridiculously early) for work and told me to get out of bed! It apparently had snowed a lot overnight and I would need to leave early for school. So I did, and I left at 5 till 8. It took me more than 30 minutes to drive to school, (normally an 8 minute commute) and almost no one was there! Still, Wichita School District refused to cancel school, or even give us a late start. Many kids were absent, and all praying for a snow day tomorrow.
I've never had a snow day. We always had to go to school no matter how much it snowed, and where I grew up, in Grand Junction, it rarely snowed so much to warrant cancelling school. I'd heard of snow days in Fort Collins, but I wasn't a teacher then, and so did not get a day off of work. Monday night I received a text message from my teacher, "no school tomorrow, we have a snow day!" My first random, weather related day off of work!
Tuesday I was so lazy! I took the day to try and recover completely from my illness. I felt much better and was ready to go back to school on Wednesday. And today, I woke up to another text message and another snow day! Today was more productive but still lazy. I don't think I'll ever lose that lazy gene. :) Tonight I made raspberry mini muffins just because...or maybe it was because I felt guilty for not making dinner. ;)
A lot of firsts to my New Year this week! Here's to hoping that these snow days are over (at least for this week)! Call me crazy, but I miss my students, and I won't learn anything about teaching by sitting at home all day.
Sunday evening I felt a bit better. I graded my papers (so exciting that I get to grade papers now!) and then Jon returned from Georgia and the snow started to fall. It was beautiful, but on the way to and from the airport, I could already tell the roads were starting to ice over. It was great to have my husband back though, and I'll be honest, I wasn't worried about the snow. I've just moved to Wichita from Fort Collins, Colorado. How bad could it be?
Monday morning and back to school I was. Jon called me as he left (ridiculously early) for work and told me to get out of bed! It apparently had snowed a lot overnight and I would need to leave early for school. So I did, and I left at 5 till 8. It took me more than 30 minutes to drive to school, (normally an 8 minute commute) and almost no one was there! Still, Wichita School District refused to cancel school, or even give us a late start. Many kids were absent, and all praying for a snow day tomorrow.
I've never had a snow day. We always had to go to school no matter how much it snowed, and where I grew up, in Grand Junction, it rarely snowed so much to warrant cancelling school. I'd heard of snow days in Fort Collins, but I wasn't a teacher then, and so did not get a day off of work. Monday night I received a text message from my teacher, "no school tomorrow, we have a snow day!" My first random, weather related day off of work!
Tuesday I was so lazy! I took the day to try and recover completely from my illness. I felt much better and was ready to go back to school on Wednesday. And today, I woke up to another text message and another snow day! Today was more productive but still lazy. I don't think I'll ever lose that lazy gene. :) Tonight I made raspberry mini muffins just because...or maybe it was because I felt guilty for not making dinner. ;)
A lot of firsts to my New Year this week! Here's to hoping that these snow days are over (at least for this week)! Call me crazy, but I miss my students, and I won't learn anything about teaching by sitting at home all day.
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