The realization dawned on me that I needed to leave. It’s not in a “oh my God get me out of here” way or a “I’m running as fast as I can towards something new” way. It’s just a “it’s time” way. It’s not desperate or overly negative or toxic. It just is. I think … Continue reading The leaving manifesto
Category: education
Finding and holding onto the optimistic
Today's post is a re-"print" of a reflection I wrote over five years ago after teaching a specific summer course to international military members. For some reason, the spring months are usually where I reflect on my teaching career and especially this year, remember the good, the positive, the optimistic. This is different than "toxic … Continue reading Finding and holding onto the optimistic
Making amends
For a long time I was at odds with my own past. My own experiences. It's a weird place be to because there's animosity and sadness and regret, but the only person it's directed to is the person in the mirror. Or out into the void. It's very confusing. I went to a small private … Continue reading Making amends
Plan A is Plan A
In a one-on-one session with a student today, these literal words came out of my mouth: "Bear with me with biology; it's been 20 years since I've had this class." (For the record, I teach ESOL but a student came to me for language help with her bio class.) I became a teacher long before … Continue reading Plan A is Plan A
Saying 'no' means saying more
I'm sure you've heard it said that 'no' is a complete sentence. Usually you're told this if you're not sure if you should or can do something and the person you're talking to wants to encourage you to put your foot down and say 'no'. I don't think our society is there yet, to hear … Continue reading Saying 'no' means saying more
Recent events
This post is a mash-up of all the random happenings around our household over the past week. It certainly feels like much longer that my husband's been home.. we've settled into a routine quickly. But as our life always is, our routines change. Weeks 3 and 4 of 50K training were not so stellar. I did … Continue reading Recent events
You Just Never Know
Friends, meet the newest TA and graduate student at the University of Texas! This is crazy. I'm going to GRAD SCHOOL. All the student-ish nostalgia I wish I had had at Bradley is now mine! Along with many many chai lattes purchased at Kinley's... I got a call yesterday from the advisor of the MA … Continue reading You Just Never Know
Fear of failure
I've had a major breakthrough recently that explains, well, a lot. I have a crazy fear of failure and a major lack of commitment... I know it's only human, but it fuels a lot of my decision making. I went to Bradley because I was afraid I couldn't afford or be successful in med school. … Continue reading Fear of failure
Half-a-versaries and grad school…. what?!
So much is happening this week! I'm not even in school and I can feel the stress of the holiday season. This weekend we have two parties to attend, one of which we still need to buy for. Next week, things should calm down somewhat. Aaron will be working half-days and we don't have tutoring … Continue reading Half-a-versaries and grad school…. what?!
Becoming bilingual
Since coming to El Paso, I've had many good experiences with speaking Spanish, contrary to my expectations. So far at work I've had two conferences with parents who don't know English very well, and I've taken some inquiries, too. One time last week, someone called while my boss and one of our assistants was in … Continue reading Becoming bilingual
mercies per mile 
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