1) People seem to think I know what I'm doing. While I do have multiple years of experience working with individuals with disabilities I struggle to label myself a specialist. Not because I don't think I know what I'm doing, but rather it makes me feel old. I cannot believe that this is my 5th year of teaching! And, yes I am aware that some of you reading this have been teaching for a lot longer than me and think I am crazy for feeling old. Too bad: it is what it is. Also, what does specialist mean anyway? It's not like I'm going to be able to use my knowledge in the field to coerce kids to do what I want. They are the ones who are ultimately going to dictate what is learned (with my guidance of course) and many times I feel like I learn more from them than they do from me.
2) On Friday I get to go on an exciting 1.5 hour bus tour of Harrisonburg. I don't know what I'm going to learn about this city that I've lived in for 8 (wow!) years, but I will be sure to keep you posted if we find a new feed plant, or hitching post for your horse and buggy.
3) JMU starts one week after Stone Spring. I had a little freak-out sesh about if I was actually qualified to teach college at the age of 25, but now I'm cool with it. I'm stoked to have the opportunity to spread awareness and knowledge about that field I am so passionate about. I have 80 students who willingly or unwillingly are going to hear my stories about the countless special people who have impacted my life. From childhood playing hide-and-seek in my uncle's restaurant with Norman, to working at camp and in the classroom, to my interactions with family members-they get to hear it all. And, it is my desire that they come away with just a little piece of the treasure that my heart holds. Because a little exposure can plant a seed, and a seed can grow into a vine, and then well you get the picture.
4) Non-job related but so job related-I moved. One of the main reasons, besides wanting to use my degree and work in special education, I changed jobs was because Clymore was so far away. Well this week I moved. I am now 5 minutes from school, 3 minutes from JMU (because my class is on the ISAT side so no Port traffic-hallelujah), and 7 minutes from the gym. I can bike and walk to places and am just happy about being centrally located. Yay for living in the community where I work. And, no I won't leave my favorite farmers alone either-you don't leave family!
Here's to doing things that scare me. Growing as a person. Trusting in God because he hasn't led me wrong yet!
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
*I'm thankful to be blessed beyond words and am shouting his praise in my life as it is revealed before me.*
i am so jealous you get to teach at jmu! i wish you could've taught one of my special education classes!! i want to hear all about what it's like teaching a college course- i know you have plenty of stories from ACE camp! ha
ReplyDeletegood luck with beginning your 5th year! i'm starting my 2nd year and that even seems a bit crazy to me!!