Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Finding My Place...

This blog has been my outlet so many times in the past five years,

and I'm so grateful that I started it all those years ago.

Writing helps me sort out the pieces of my life that don't quite fit.

Those moments when I feel sad and hopeless, excited and nervous, along with all sorts of other emotions in between.

And as much as I have enjoyed {been grateful for} the circumstances in this life of mine, I can't sit here and write {honestly} about undying happiness or personal fulfillment.

Something just hasn't quite been right.

I have known for many years that I was meant to serve others.

Growing up, one of my favorite games to play was 'school', and I played it countless times with so many friends.

From a young age, I truly believe that I was called to teach.

Back in college, I remember my best friends mom reassuring me that I was 'meant to be a teacher'. 

As an amazing teacher herself, she was the first one who helped me truly believe that I could do this. 

Along the way, there have been many obstacles but, ultimately, I've persevered.

Thirteen years ago, I had an amazing student teaching experience in 5th grade.

I think, {no, let me rephrase that, I know}, that I have been trying to recreate that experience every single year since.

And although I have enjoyed and been grateful for the opportunities that I've had to love and teach these children entrusted to my care the past few years, I have still been searching for something just a little bit more.

If you are a reader of my blog (I can't help but say thank you!), you know that this spring I was given this tremendous opportunity to follow the dream I've been chasing for years.

I was hired as the new 5th grade teacher in our school.

Sigh.

After trying for so many years, I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt, that this was where I was supposed to be.

Well, I am just about three weeks into this new 'gig' of mine and although I haven't had time to stop and reflect about it on here, I have to say that it is going unbelievably well so far.

I'm not going to lie and say it's been without hiccups and snags along the way, but these are things that will always be there, that's just part of life when you choose to teach.

The difference is that I am ready.

I am armed with a perpetual smile and backed with a passion that is undying.

Thank you fifth graders for being that class, those kids for me.

I can't wait to see where this year takes us!

I'm so grateful for you!