Bragging on Myself

Today was all at once a fabulous day and a crappy day. Just as I was feeling flustered sitting in a meeting and trying to remember to breathe because even middle schoolers get a bit nuts at Christmas time, I was called down to the office. I immediately wondered what they had to tell me that they couldn't say over the phone. My brain went through every awful piece of news that someone could reveal to me...someone was in a car accident, there was a medical emergency, someone died, etc. I was shocked and pleasantly surprised to learn that I was selected as one of the Walmart "Teachers of the Year." 3 other teachers at our school received this award, but it was pretty damn awesome to be recognized for working hard and going above and beyond. I won a $50 gift card to Walmart for "school supplies and nutritious snacks." It was pretty great news to receive toward the end of the day and before Christmas.

Then, after I returned from receiving this award, the 8th grade team teachers were praising me for being the "fixer" of the kids. I certainly don't claim to be a perfect teacher or a perfect person (far from it), but today made me remember that I truly do love what I do. Even when the kids are at their worst, I still love my job...deep down, it is what I know I was meant to do. I've looked at countless other career options, but I really don't know if I can break up with teaching just yet. Sure, the pay is not what it should or could be, but the benefits are great and the impact that I am able to have on so many lives is pretty amazing. For example, one of the students I taught at Westlake High School is now engaged to a coworker's daughter...the same coworker who's nieces and nephews I taught at Huntingtown Elementary School. I also love that I can still keep in touch with my former students through social media. I love seeing them graduate from high school/college and become awesome and productive citizens.

I have been praying about becoming a Mom and it gets tougher and tougher not to think about it; however, maybe this is God's way of reminding me that even if I'm not a biological Mom, I can be a motherly figure to a lot of my students. So many of them deal with so much...way more than I ever had to when I was their age...and I'm glad that I can be a positive influence in their lives. Anyway, I just wanted to share my happy news. I hope your holiday season is going well too! 9 days and counting...