I have failed, for the last few weeks, at keeping this thing updated. It's not because I've given up, it's because the year has been so hectic.
There are good weeks, and then there are weeks when I wonder what I was thinking becoming a teacher. I frequently miss former students, sometimes whole classes.
I have especially begun missing my first group of kids ever. They are juniors now, and thanks to facebook I'm still able to keep tabs on them. Most of the time that's wonderful, but other times it makes me incredibly sad. I miss them, and I find myself wondering what kind of, if any, impression I left on them. Did I really teach them anything? Did they leave my classroom knowing more, or as better people?
I want the answer to that to be yes, but how can I ever really know the answer? It's something I struggle with when thinking of past and present students. I teach them, I hope; I give them assessments and grade those; but, really, what is the measure of my success as a teacher? What test or essay or project can indicate whether or not I am effective?
One of the things that make my job rewarding is when, like today, a former student walks into my room saying, "I need help with this essay." I feel special, and important, when they come back to me for support. Is that wrong? Is it strange that I want my students to need me for more than just what happens in my room?
I love it when K. comes to me to vent about her English teacher, and I have to hug her because she's crying. It makes my day when a student I've never even had for class walks into my room and says, "Can I just vent for a minute?" I feel important and needed when D. comes in at 3:30 needing help with her Separate Peace paper. I don't want these kids to feel sad or angry or any other negative emotion, but when they do, and they come to me - there's nothing quite like it.
So ... I guess what this whole post means is that I've been so busy trying to make sure I'm doing a good job at my job that I've failed to post anything here.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Thursday, October 7, 2010
When kids are cruel
I discovered today that sometimes kids are just plain cruel. I have always known that kids, especially teenagers, have the capacity to be mean. They can destroy each other with a glance or a few words. I did not, however, know that they would be willing to do these things in the middle of English class.
We are preparing to start Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak. As part of our front-loading, we are working out what stereotypes are, how they influence us, and how they can be absolutely heart-breaking. So, today, we showed students the clip in Mean Girls where Damion and Janice provide Cady with a map to the cafeteria. It's a humorous clip, and also very insightful in terms of labels, stereotypes, and cliques in high schools.
After watching it, we discussed - briefly - what cliques are. The definition we decided upon are groups that are exclusive. One student began to share a story about how she and her friends pulled a mean girls thing in 6th grade - only inviting certain people to sit with them. Before she could finish another student piped in that their group had been awful to other students. Then the term punk started getting thrown around in a hostile way. I redirected.
We worked on an anticipation guide. I thought it would be safe, but I was wrong. Epic fail. The anticipation guide brought out the claws in these kids, and I did NOT like what I saw. I saw students saying teachers can't be trusted because they gossip too much. I heard them saying that if a girl dresses provocatively, she deserves whatever negative attention she gets. I also saw them start insulting each other - and me - in a very obvious way.
Clearly, I stopped the activity and very sternly spoke to the students. Even after telling them being mean is the quickest way to be removed from my class, they snickered at and bickered with one another. I have never been more appalled at my own students.
I'm actually nervous about this unit now. How am I supposed to teach them about tolerance and kindness? I'm worrying that they're going to start a riot ... Obviously they need the lessons we've prepared, but how many of them are actually going to "get it"?
I can't leave this post there. I don't want it to sound as though all of my freshman reacted so poorly; they didn't. In fact, two of the three classes who did this activity today were amazing. They might not always practice what they preach, but at least they were preaching it.
So, while I am super worried about one class and whether or not they are going to appreciate the unit we are starting, I have hope that teenagers aren't all cruel. Some of them are very kind, very wise, and very good.
We are preparing to start Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak. As part of our front-loading, we are working out what stereotypes are, how they influence us, and how they can be absolutely heart-breaking. So, today, we showed students the clip in Mean Girls where Damion and Janice provide Cady with a map to the cafeteria. It's a humorous clip, and also very insightful in terms of labels, stereotypes, and cliques in high schools.
After watching it, we discussed - briefly - what cliques are. The definition we decided upon are groups that are exclusive. One student began to share a story about how she and her friends pulled a mean girls thing in 6th grade - only inviting certain people to sit with them. Before she could finish another student piped in that their group had been awful to other students. Then the term punk started getting thrown around in a hostile way. I redirected.
We worked on an anticipation guide. I thought it would be safe, but I was wrong. Epic fail. The anticipation guide brought out the claws in these kids, and I did NOT like what I saw. I saw students saying teachers can't be trusted because they gossip too much. I heard them saying that if a girl dresses provocatively, she deserves whatever negative attention she gets. I also saw them start insulting each other - and me - in a very obvious way.
Clearly, I stopped the activity and very sternly spoke to the students. Even after telling them being mean is the quickest way to be removed from my class, they snickered at and bickered with one another. I have never been more appalled at my own students.
I'm actually nervous about this unit now. How am I supposed to teach them about tolerance and kindness? I'm worrying that they're going to start a riot ... Obviously they need the lessons we've prepared, but how many of them are actually going to "get it"?
I can't leave this post there. I don't want it to sound as though all of my freshman reacted so poorly; they didn't. In fact, two of the three classes who did this activity today were amazing. They might not always practice what they preach, but at least they were preaching it.
So, while I am super worried about one class and whether or not they are going to appreciate the unit we are starting, I have hope that teenagers aren't all cruel. Some of them are very kind, very wise, and very good.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Beware of dreary days and new skirts
This post is dedicated to anyone who has ever had the dream that they show up to school, or work, or life naked. (I will tell you now that this an absolutely true story - I couldn't make this up). Enjoy ...
It was a dreary day in Maine. The sun was hiding, and the threat of rain lingered as the lunch bell rang. The morning had been normal - meeting, writing center class, first freshman class. Nothing extraordinary happened, and there was no reason to think that this day would be special for me at all.
After sending all of the freshman to lunch, Meg and Sara came to my room so that we could enjoy lunch and conversation. The morning had been so packed, however, that there had been no time to use bathroom! It was an emergency. And so, before I could enjoy the chicken and noodle lunch I had waiting, I needed to go from my portable to the main building.
As I hurried through the courtyard, I was heckled by several shop students. They were outside completing the shed their class worked on as a project. "Hi, Mrs. D," one yelled. "There's no ring on this finger! It's Ms. D," I retorted while wiggling my hand in his direction. The student wanted to annoy me, but it didn't work. I was too focused on getting to the restroom.
When I finished washing my hands, I adjusted my nylons and the brand-new, Old Navy, jersey skirt I had chosen as the day's outfit. With a final glance in the mirror, I rushed out the doors and back into the courtyard, where the shop students continued to work and our JMG specialist walked to his car.
Less than ten feet out the door, I felt something strange at my knees. All of a sudden, the freedom a skirt gives was gone. Something constricted my legs. I glanced down to check and ... well ... the waist of my skirt was at my knees.
That's right. My skirt had fallen down, leaving my nylons and panties free for all to see!
I panicked, of course, yanked the skirt up, and frantically looked to see who was laughing at me. You know what? Not one person had seen my catastrophe. Not one. Immediately relieved, I jogged back to my room, laughing hysterically. Try explaining that laughter to your co-workers and friends. Did I get sympathy? Heck, no, and if it had been someone else, I wouldn't have been sympathetic! I got, "the only thing that would have made that better is if you fell!" Darn right!
This event, though potentially tragic, brought laughter to many people today. Most of us needed it desperately. I learned a few things as well.
1. Laughing at yourself in an embarrassing moment is far more productive than tears or anger.
2. Sharing your disasters is therapeutic for both you and your audience.
3. My Nana was right - you should always wear good, clean panties. You never know who might see them!
It was a dreary day in Maine. The sun was hiding, and the threat of rain lingered as the lunch bell rang. The morning had been normal - meeting, writing center class, first freshman class. Nothing extraordinary happened, and there was no reason to think that this day would be special for me at all.
After sending all of the freshman to lunch, Meg and Sara came to my room so that we could enjoy lunch and conversation. The morning had been so packed, however, that there had been no time to use bathroom! It was an emergency. And so, before I could enjoy the chicken and noodle lunch I had waiting, I needed to go from my portable to the main building.
As I hurried through the courtyard, I was heckled by several shop students. They were outside completing the shed their class worked on as a project. "Hi, Mrs. D," one yelled. "There's no ring on this finger! It's Ms. D," I retorted while wiggling my hand in his direction. The student wanted to annoy me, but it didn't work. I was too focused on getting to the restroom.
When I finished washing my hands, I adjusted my nylons and the brand-new, Old Navy, jersey skirt I had chosen as the day's outfit. With a final glance in the mirror, I rushed out the doors and back into the courtyard, where the shop students continued to work and our JMG specialist walked to his car.
Less than ten feet out the door, I felt something strange at my knees. All of a sudden, the freedom a skirt gives was gone. Something constricted my legs. I glanced down to check and ... well ... the waist of my skirt was at my knees.
That's right. My skirt had fallen down, leaving my nylons and panties free for all to see!
I panicked, of course, yanked the skirt up, and frantically looked to see who was laughing at me. You know what? Not one person had seen my catastrophe. Not one. Immediately relieved, I jogged back to my room, laughing hysterically. Try explaining that laughter to your co-workers and friends. Did I get sympathy? Heck, no, and if it had been someone else, I wouldn't have been sympathetic! I got, "the only thing that would have made that better is if you fell!" Darn right!
This event, though potentially tragic, brought laughter to many people today. Most of us needed it desperately. I learned a few things as well.
1. Laughing at yourself in an embarrassing moment is far more productive than tears or anger.
2. Sharing your disasters is therapeutic for both you and your audience.
3. My Nana was right - you should always wear good, clean panties. You never know who might see them!
Saturday, September 25, 2010
On class advising
Well, I broke my own goal last week. No post. However, I have forgiven myself as my reasons are legitimate and acceptable. Reason #1 is that I was sick last weekend with bronchitis, and I even took Monday off from school. Reason #2 is that it was homecoming week at school, and as a class adviser, I had to supervise construction of the float for the class of 2012. Which brings me to the topic of this post: being involved at school (and knowing when you need help).
When I interviewed for my current job, I made it a point to say that being a class adviser was something in which I was interested. Next thing I know, I'm hired and given the freshman class to advise. It was awful that first year. I had no idea about homecoming, or the fact that each class builds a float for a town parade. Nor did I know how to fundraise. I. Knew. Nothing. And worse, no one helped me.
I literally begged for help that first year; help to supervise activities, help to organize fundraisers, help with ANYTHING. No one could/would help me. In fact, most of the time, the emails I sent to ask for help were ignored completely. In retrospect this was the best thing that could have happened. Since the class officers and I had to figure it out on our own, we are now a well-oiled machine with lots of know-how. Last year was easier in terms of knowing what to do and when, but I still struggled with trying to find help from other teachers. This year? Best year yet.
Another newer teacher at my school, who taught nearly all of the 2012 kids last year, helped with our float every night! In fact, because I was sick, she was there more than I was! There's no way, and I'm serious here, that our float would have gotten done without Sara. She helped us organize, construct, clean, and make a BEAUTIFUL FIRST-PLACE Cat in the Hat float. It was so great for the kids, and even better for me! I got to spend every evening with amazing students and one of my favorite colleagues. Our float was beautiful, but even if it hadn't been, we still would have been winners. We would have been winners for a lot of reasons, but here are just a few:
1. The class of 2012 and the freshman class worked together better than anyone could have imagined. They shared materials, helped each other build, and even took turns getting each other pizza. It was great to see them be so kind.
2. Spending time with students outside of teaching time is an important part of education. They need to know we care, and that we are human. I get more respect from students after they see me doing something to make their experience better (like building a float).
3. It's just fun. The kids who come to do these extra things are the kids who go the extra mile, and it's so neat to hang out with them and talk about more than English class.
The first year I took the role of class adviser, I thought I was nuts. Now? I can't imagine letting someone else be in charge of my class. There's a sense of pride when they succeed that I wouldn't have without the extra time I spend with them. I dread the long days of float-building week, but the time I spend working with the students definitely makes it worth it.
When I interviewed for my current job, I made it a point to say that being a class adviser was something in which I was interested. Next thing I know, I'm hired and given the freshman class to advise. It was awful that first year. I had no idea about homecoming, or the fact that each class builds a float for a town parade. Nor did I know how to fundraise. I. Knew. Nothing. And worse, no one helped me.
I literally begged for help that first year; help to supervise activities, help to organize fundraisers, help with ANYTHING. No one could/would help me. In fact, most of the time, the emails I sent to ask for help were ignored completely. In retrospect this was the best thing that could have happened. Since the class officers and I had to figure it out on our own, we are now a well-oiled machine with lots of know-how. Last year was easier in terms of knowing what to do and when, but I still struggled with trying to find help from other teachers. This year? Best year yet.
Another newer teacher at my school, who taught nearly all of the 2012 kids last year, helped with our float every night! In fact, because I was sick, she was there more than I was! There's no way, and I'm serious here, that our float would have gotten done without Sara. She helped us organize, construct, clean, and make a BEAUTIFUL FIRST-PLACE Cat in the Hat float. It was so great for the kids, and even better for me! I got to spend every evening with amazing students and one of my favorite colleagues. Our float was beautiful, but even if it hadn't been, we still would have been winners. We would have been winners for a lot of reasons, but here are just a few:
1. The class of 2012 and the freshman class worked together better than anyone could have imagined. They shared materials, helped each other build, and even took turns getting each other pizza. It was great to see them be so kind.
2. Spending time with students outside of teaching time is an important part of education. They need to know we care, and that we are human. I get more respect from students after they see me doing something to make their experience better (like building a float).
3. It's just fun. The kids who come to do these extra things are the kids who go the extra mile, and it's so neat to hang out with them and talk about more than English class.
The first year I took the role of class adviser, I thought I was nuts. Now? I can't imagine letting someone else be in charge of my class. There's a sense of pride when they succeed that I wouldn't have without the extra time I spend with them. I dread the long days of float-building week, but the time I spend working with the students definitely makes it worth it.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Go team!
I was on my way to bed (10 minutes ago), when I decided to check my email one more time. That led to checking my favorite blog, which led me to my own blogger dashboard where I realized I was about to fail at my goal of at least one post per week. So, instead of reading, I'm writing. A fair trade, I think.
After my last post, some of you might be wondering how this past week went. I'm happy to report that it went well. The weather was fall-like, and both the students and I have begun to sink into a routine. I always seem to forget that the beginning of school, though exciting, is also terribly stressful. Compound the normal amount of back-to-school stress with a brand new schedule, a brand new freshman team structure, and a brand new curriculum, and you could potentially be asking for disaster. I, however, have discovered (though I already knew this) that I am one lucky girl. I have the best group of people to work with, and it makes all of those very stressful things seem much less daunting.
When our administration chose the teachers they wanted to man the two freshman teams, I truly believe they hand-picked us. There are around 40 teachers at my school, and the 8 manning these teams are pretty phenomenal when put together. I think that all of the staff at my school offer amazing things to students, but the 8 of us working on the teams compliment one another in great ways. Not only did they get a great spread for the whole thing, but they split us up perfectly. Here's a little run-down for you ...
Team T is very logical, very detail-oriented, and very flexibly-rigid (in a way that works well with the students). I guess, if I were trying to portray this team with a person I would choose Tom Selleck. Strong and sturdy, consistent, and super dependable, all while being approachable and willing to compromise.
Team O (my team) is not logical (in a good way), we pay attention to the details, and we are flexible (in a way that works well with the students). For this team, I would have to choose someone like John Travolta. Really a big teddy bear, but with a tough exterior. Able to be firm, but also able to turn into jello if it's called for.
I love my team. The team I'm on, both teams, and the other staff involved in our adventure (special ed teacher, literacy coach, admins). I feel very supported, and I know that when I have a problem with a student or parent, the others will be there to back me up. We are able to use one another as sounding boards to get ideas, share ideas, or just rant for a minute. It's different for me this year. I don't feel like I'm going at my teaching alone. In fact, I feel more supported than ever. Not only do I have a wonderful team on my side, but I have a fabulous friend and colleague in the English teacher on the other team.
She and I plan together. Check in on student progress together. Share a portable. And we generally have a great time too. We worked for countless hours last year planning a new curriculum, and to see it come to fruition is exciting and scary. Ms. W and I compliment one another really well. Instead of both of us being really good separately, we're AMAZING together.
I could keep going on this post and list all of the ways that I'm benefiting from our freshman teams, but it really boils down to this:
No teacher, or person, should have to go at school, or life, alone. We can be great alone, or extraordinary together. I can't imagine putting myself into a box, closing the door, and shutting everyone out. How lonely and sad. So, I choose extraordinary. Every time.
After my last post, some of you might be wondering how this past week went. I'm happy to report that it went well. The weather was fall-like, and both the students and I have begun to sink into a routine. I always seem to forget that the beginning of school, though exciting, is also terribly stressful. Compound the normal amount of back-to-school stress with a brand new schedule, a brand new freshman team structure, and a brand new curriculum, and you could potentially be asking for disaster. I, however, have discovered (though I already knew this) that I am one lucky girl. I have the best group of people to work with, and it makes all of those very stressful things seem much less daunting.
When our administration chose the teachers they wanted to man the two freshman teams, I truly believe they hand-picked us. There are around 40 teachers at my school, and the 8 manning these teams are pretty phenomenal when put together. I think that all of the staff at my school offer amazing things to students, but the 8 of us working on the teams compliment one another in great ways. Not only did they get a great spread for the whole thing, but they split us up perfectly. Here's a little run-down for you ...
Team T is very logical, very detail-oriented, and very flexibly-rigid (in a way that works well with the students). I guess, if I were trying to portray this team with a person I would choose Tom Selleck. Strong and sturdy, consistent, and super dependable, all while being approachable and willing to compromise.
Team O (my team) is not logical (in a good way), we pay attention to the details, and we are flexible (in a way that works well with the students). For this team, I would have to choose someone like John Travolta. Really a big teddy bear, but with a tough exterior. Able to be firm, but also able to turn into jello if it's called for.
I love my team. The team I'm on, both teams, and the other staff involved in our adventure (special ed teacher, literacy coach, admins). I feel very supported, and I know that when I have a problem with a student or parent, the others will be there to back me up. We are able to use one another as sounding boards to get ideas, share ideas, or just rant for a minute. It's different for me this year. I don't feel like I'm going at my teaching alone. In fact, I feel more supported than ever. Not only do I have a wonderful team on my side, but I have a fabulous friend and colleague in the English teacher on the other team.
She and I plan together. Check in on student progress together. Share a portable. And we generally have a great time too. We worked for countless hours last year planning a new curriculum, and to see it come to fruition is exciting and scary. Ms. W and I compliment one another really well. Instead of both of us being really good separately, we're AMAZING together.
I could keep going on this post and list all of the ways that I'm benefiting from our freshman teams, but it really boils down to this:
No teacher, or person, should have to go at school, or life, alone. We can be great alone, or extraordinary together. I can't imagine putting myself into a box, closing the door, and shutting everyone out. How lonely and sad. So, I choose extraordinary. Every time.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, August 30, 2010
First Day Jitters
Remember that last post? The one about how excited I get about school? I think I might feel that way until the night before kids come, because right now I'm super nervous. Fluttery stomach, jiggly legs nervous. And it's not getting better.
I can't say for certain that it's the start of school alone bringing this on. That definitely plays into the nerves, but I also think I'm just very hesitant about everything on my plate right now. I took stock the other day after a colleague made the following comment:
"You've made a mistake. You showed us that you're too competent, and now we lean on you."
On the one hand: YAY me! That's a great compliment. On the other hand: uh oh. One more thing on my list. Speaking of said list, let's take a look at everything I'm responsible for this semester:
1. 5 academic classes (three preps and three brand new curriculums)
2. 10 practicum students from the university (working with me on the writing center)
3. Freshman teaming (brand new endeavor)
4.Grad school (Young Adult Lit and an independent study)
5. Presenting at a conference in October
6. Taking care of my Nana
7. The writing center at my school
8. One field experience student from the university
9. Adviser to the class of 2012 at school
10. All of the other things grown ups take care of
Phew. No wonder I'm nervous. And I think writing that list made it worse. As much as I love being active and involved, and despite the fact that I will inevitably get all of this done, I'm overwhelmed right now. It's like this every year, and yet I always forget the struggle. Usually the end result overshadows this time of stress and adjustment.
So, now, about to head to an early bedtime, I want to say:
Happy first days to all! (Remember to enjoy and to remind yourself that the first days are the toughest - that's what I'll be doing)
I can't say for certain that it's the start of school alone bringing this on. That definitely plays into the nerves, but I also think I'm just very hesitant about everything on my plate right now. I took stock the other day after a colleague made the following comment:
"You've made a mistake. You showed us that you're too competent, and now we lean on you."
On the one hand: YAY me! That's a great compliment. On the other hand: uh oh. One more thing on my list. Speaking of said list, let's take a look at everything I'm responsible for this semester:
1. 5 academic classes (three preps and three brand new curriculums)
2. 10 practicum students from the university (working with me on the writing center)
3. Freshman teaming (brand new endeavor)
4.Grad school (Young Adult Lit and an independent study)
5. Presenting at a conference in October
6. Taking care of my Nana
7. The writing center at my school
8. One field experience student from the university
9. Adviser to the class of 2012 at school
10. All of the other things grown ups take care of
Phew. No wonder I'm nervous. And I think writing that list made it worse. As much as I love being active and involved, and despite the fact that I will inevitably get all of this done, I'm overwhelmed right now. It's like this every year, and yet I always forget the struggle. Usually the end result overshadows this time of stress and adjustment.
So, now, about to head to an early bedtime, I want to say:
Happy first days to all! (Remember to enjoy and to remind yourself that the first days are the toughest - that's what I'll be doing)
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