Too much, too fast

Well, the first week of school is over, and it was easily the toughest first week I've had in four years of teaching. I can't say it was all bad, because it wasn't. I may have suffered, but I also learned a really important lesson. Anyway . . . well, here's a run-down of the week.

Monday - Teacher day. I won an award for being AWESOME STAFF, got to catch up with colleagues, and I finished setting up my classroom. It was hot.

Tuesday - Freshman orientation. Even though we had the day planned out really well, things went wrong, but nothing huge. I met my homeroom and they were great. I spent the day with them, and with a former student who is a mentor for the freshman. It went well overall, but I was super stressed out the ENTIRE day. I barely remember what we did all day because I was out straight the whole time. That's what I get for being "too competent". Also, it was very hot.

Wednesday - First day for all students. Worst day of my teaching career. I thought I was going to be sick as I drove to school. I blamed it on the heat and being nervous. I walked into the teacher's room, and started crying. I spent the rest of the day going between tears and nausea. Sometime during the late afternoon my arms started tingling. I had class at the university at 5. I only stayed until 6, and then went to walk-in-care for the crying, tingly arms, and nausea. Diagnosis: panic attack caused by the list of things I need to do that seemed to keep growing and growing. Also, it was very, very hot.

Thursday - I hadn't slept for an entire night in about two weeks and I had barely functioned the day before. And so, I took the day off. I needed to be home and take care of myself, so I did. Best decision of my career. Oh, yeah, and it was very, very, very hot.

Friday - Feeling so much better, I went back to school and had a great day. Had fun with my classes, learned some names, and enjoyed the fresh breeze.

And so, you must be wondering by now what lesson I learned. It's simple really, and a must for all teachers (but especially new ones): say no. When you start to feel like you're taking on too much, you are. It's ok to say no. Taking on too much isn't healthy (trust me, I know), but it also means that your work suffers for it. And sometimes your mind and body too.

I've got a long weekend now which I plan to spend with books, tv, my bed, and family.