Using My Brain

My mom used to take a picture of us every year on the first day of school. We usually had a new outfit on with a new lunch pail and new backpack. We'd stand by the front door, she'd snap a picture and we'd head off to our first day of school. I thought I would carry on the tradition as a new teacher. Now granted, this is my second day of school, and technically, school hasn't started yet because students don't report until next Tuesday, but I still think I look pretty cute in my Columbine shirt. Also take note of my employee ID card, which has a picture of me (have to have it to enter the school). They even gave me my own key (oh, goodness!). And I have a parking sticker to park in staff parking (not pictured).Today started bright and early at 7am for more meetings, which lasted until noon. Then we walked over to Clement Park for a staff photo and a BBQ. There was a ton of food, and it was good to get to know people. Then it was back for more meetings in the afternoon. Since I'm teaching 9th grade English, I sat in on the English Department meeting. I even shot out a few ideas. I felt like my Master's classes have given me some useful information to share, so I tried my best to speak up when needed.

It's amazing how stimulated my brain is. I truly did enjoy working for Enterprise, but sitting at a desk for 8 hours a day doing the same thing over and over got tiring really fast. I never felt like I was using my brain or using my education that I worked so hard for 4 1/2 years for while working for ERAC. Now that I'm using my education and teaching others, I feel so inspired and so excited. I'm actually learning things on a daily basis. I'm talking about grammar and To Kill a Mockingbird, Romeo and Juliet, Lord of the Flies and Antigone with other professionals, and while that doesn't sound like much fun to most of you, I was so giddy this afternoon I could hardly contain my excitement. I feel smart. I feel like I have a purpose. I feel like my education dollars have a purpose. I can't even describe it, but I totally know this is what I'm supposed to be doing.